In this series of storytelling-concerts devised specially for KCWC, you can explore the sounds and secrets of the world’s great cultural capitals— Paris, Vienna, London, Moscow and New York.

Internationally acclaimed virtuoso pianist and captivating storyteller Pavel Timofeyevsky will delve into how these iconic cities shaped music history. From the intimate salons of Paris to the wild jazz clubs of New York, from Vienna’s cozy coffee houses to Moscow’s lavish palaces and London’s rowdy music halls, discover the stories behind the compositions and learn about their creators: how they were shaped by their times and how they continue to inspire us today. The series will feature solo piano performances as well as appearances by opera singers and instrumentalists with music by Handel, Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Porter, Bernstein and many more.

Part three: London, The City that Stole the Show

London is one of the world’s greatest musical capitals, but how much of its legacy was truly its own?

Unlike Vienna, where composers were born and raised, London built its musical empire by borrowing, stealing, and reshaping the sounds of outsiders.

Handel was a German who became England’s musical icon. Haydn was an Austrian who found freedom and wealth here. Chopin, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Wagner and Debussy passed through as feted visitors leaving an indelible mark on the musical culture of the megapolis. Britten, one of the few native geniuses, spent years trying to escape it.
Through music and storytelling, we explore London as a city that never belonged to one tradition—but instead took the music of others and made it its own. Join Pavel and a special guest soloist for a fascinating journey through the musical history of London.

Event’s Schedule:

2:00pm – Arrival, Tea & Cakes

2:45pm – Performance begins

The event will be held at a private member’s house in Chelsea (nearest tube station Earls Court).