Keval Shah
UK, Piano
2022 Scholar
Trinity Hall, Cambridge,
Royal Academy of Music (RAM) with distinction
"Spending a week with Imogen Cooper and Henk Neven in the paradise that is Eygalières was an unforgettable and deeply inspiring experience that has left a deep imprint on me and my work at the piano. The chance to work in detail, musically and technically, on solo repertoire with Imogen allowed me to gain a new focus and centre in this aspect of my work. I now carry with me new practice techniques, a new-found confidence and faith in my abilities and potential, and a freedom at the piano which I will continue to seek and explore. So many of the ideas we explored were presented to me in the most sublime fashion by Imogen herself, and I’ll never forget turning pages for her performance of the Schubert G-flat Impromptu – a total masterclass in the musical and expressive principles that she had been sharing with me all week. And it was wonderful to spend the week working on so many beautiful Lieder and mélodies with two fantastic colleagues, neither of whom I had worked with before, under the guidance of Henk Neven, who was such an interesting and passionate teacher and artist. It is always special to meet new musical partners, especially when the connection is so immediate and electric, and our days spent diving into the minute details of music and poetry will never leave me – how rare it is to have time in one’s schedule for an uninterrupted week of devotion to this repertoire, to explore, to try new ideas, to take risks, all in a safe and supportive environment free from judgement or consequence. I had the feeling that we spent a week in a musical playground, and it has transformed my confidence in a really important way, giving me the freedom to be myself, to play out and offer my musical ideas with clarity and courage. Thank you for this profound and memorable week!"
Contact details: keval-shah.com