Jonathan Powell

Jonathan Powell

Jonathan Powell is a British pianist and composer, born in 1969. He studies with Denis Matthews and Sulamita Aronovsky, and becomes known for his technical control and wide-ranging repertoire.

Repertoire and specialism

Powell specialises in late Romantic music, while also performing a broad range of works from Bach to contemporary composers. He is associated with composers including Michael Finnissy, John White, Ambrosini, Staud and Sirodeau.

Association with Sorabji

He becomes particularly closely linked with the music of Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji. He first encounters Sorabji’s work in 1984 through radio broadcasts by Yonty Solomon and through scores available from Curwen. He later contacts Sorabji, receives copies of several later works, and premieres them from 1990 onwards. He is also known for performing Sorabji’s Opus Clavicembalisticum in full.

Performance work

Powell continues to record and perform regularly, with his playing noted for its virtuosity and for the range of repertoire he covers.