Sir András Schiff is world-renowned as both a pianist and conductor, and in his concerts with us he’s often combined both roles.

He was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1953 and started piano lessons at the age of five. Sir András has worked with most major international orchestras and conductors, but in recent years has performed as conductor and soloist.

His first performance with us came in 2013, and he became a Principal Artist in 2018. Highlights with us include 2019’s double-header of Brahms’ Piano Concertos, performed over two nights at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.

In the spring of 2011, Sir András attracted attention because of his opposition to the alarming political developments in Hungary and given the ensuing attacks on him from some Hungarian Nationalists, decided not to perform again in his home country.

In June 2014 he was bestowed a Knighthood for services to Music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.