Museum tunes up as twin city maestros prepare to Czech in

Created in 2018 by band mates Tim Vincent-Smith and Matthew Wright, the Pianodrome is one of a trail of sculptures and planters around the city, all fashioned from old pianos which were saved from landfill.

Dotted across twelve locations throughout public places in Leeds city centre, the sculptures are part of this year’s Leeds Piano Trail, which encourages people to perform and interact with pianos and music.

This Sunday, the museum and Pianodrome itself will host Duo Ardašev - a piano duo comprising pianists Renata Lichnovská and Igor Ardašev.

They will be performing Má vlast (My Homeland) by the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884) - his much-loved cycle of symphonic poems (1872–79) - in the composer’s own arrangement for piano four hands.  This year also marks the 200th anniversary of Smetana's birth.

The concert is presented as part of the Czech Dreams project to champion Czech music, and has been made possible thanks to support by Leeds City Council International Relations and Brno, UNESCO Creative City of Music, together with Leeds International Concert Season, and Leeds International Piano Competition.

Renata Lichnovská said: "The opportunity to perform in such a unique space is inspiring for us both. We can't wait to experience the Pianodrome at the museum. Being part of the Czech Dreams project makes this opportunity even more meaningful, as it celebrates Czech music on a global stage."

Igor Ardašev added: "This concert is especially meaningful for us, as we will be performing a historic piece of Czech music, honouring Bedřich Smetana's legacy. Through the Czech Dreams project, we're proud to share this important part of our country's culture with the audience in our twin city."

Leeds and Brno have been twin cities since 1991.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This unique performance will be a real highlight of this year’s city wide celebration of piano music, which has transformed our public spaces in such fantastic and imaginative ways, while also highlighting the city’s status as an international hub for music and culture.

“It’s also wonderful to be hosting two renowned pianists from our twin city, and to be reaffirming our very special relationship with our friends and partners from Brno.”

Booking information for this Sunday’s concert can be found at Duo Ardašev - Concert Season (leedsconcertseason.co.uk)

ENDS