Duncan Appleby
ProfessionalMembership
I am a dynamic and responsive pianist with many years of collaborative experience. For many years I have performed in vocal and instrumental recitals, and chamber music concerts. While an undergraduate at Birmingham Conservatoire (BMus(Hons) Piano) I gained experience accompanying language classes and the postgraduate song class.
Later, at the Royal College of Music (MPerf Piano Accompaniment), I formed a chamber group to play Brahms’ Horn Trio, performed contemporary compositions with orchestras, and partnered with guitarist Sam Brown to play Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in the RCM’s Museum of Instruments.
In 2013, the year before moving to London for my Master’s Degree, I was appointed Director of Music and Organist at St Ninian’s Church in Edinburgh. In 2014 I gave an organ recital, with music by Bach, Reuchsel and Franck. I have played organ for church services and choir concerts in London and Birmingham.
I worked as répétiteur for Thames Philharmonia’s 2017 production of Don Giovanni, as well as for extracts of La Cenerentola while at the RCM.
From 2019 until Easter 2022 I was Head of Keyboard at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, where my encouraging and positive attitude and natural patience enabled me to accompany and coach the students supportively in their exams and concerts. As Assistant MD for two school musicals (Sister Act - 2019, Oliver - 2022) I rehearsed with individuals and taught large ensemble numbers, under tight deadlines and in collaboration with the Director and Choreographer.
In addition to my collaborative piano work, I am also a professional tenor, performing recitals and singing with cathedral and chamber choirs. This gives me important insight into what a performer needs from a pianist, and further enhances the sensitivity of my playing.
Later, at the Royal College of Music (MPerf Piano Accompaniment), I formed a chamber group to play Brahms’ Horn Trio, performed contemporary compositions with orchestras, and partnered with guitarist Sam Brown to play Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in the RCM’s Museum of Instruments.
In 2013, the year before moving to London for my Master’s Degree, I was appointed Director of Music and Organist at St Ninian’s Church in Edinburgh. In 2014 I gave an organ recital, with music by Bach, Reuchsel and Franck. I have played organ for church services and choir concerts in London and Birmingham.
I worked as répétiteur for Thames Philharmonia’s 2017 production of Don Giovanni, as well as for extracts of La Cenerentola while at the RCM.
From 2019 until Easter 2022 I was Head of Keyboard at St Catherine’s School, Bramley, where my encouraging and positive attitude and natural patience enabled me to accompany and coach the students supportively in their exams and concerts. As Assistant MD for two school musicals (Sister Act - 2019, Oliver - 2022) I rehearsed with individuals and taught large ensemble numbers, under tight deadlines and in collaboration with the Director and Choreographer.
In addition to my collaborative piano work, I am also a professional tenor, performing recitals and singing with cathedral and chamber choirs. This gives me important insight into what a performer needs from a pianist, and further enhances the sensitivity of my playing.
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