Grace Francis CONSOLATION

This album contains the two most greatly significant solo piano sonatas of the mid-nineteenth century, coincidentally composed at the same time by two of the greatest composers of the era - who, in aesthetic development and individual character, could hardly have been more different from one another, although their mutual respect is one of the least appreciated aspects of their later relationship. Grace Francis was born in East London and attended the Yehudi Menuhin School where she studied with Peter Norris and Louis Kentner. At the Royal College of Music, Ms. Francis studied with Irina Zaritskaya and was awarded the Chappell Gold Medal, the highest award for a pianist. She continued her studies with a Wingate Scholarship in the UK, also receiving the Hattori Foundation Award and winning the international competition, Nerada Piano House Award, in Zagreb. In 2014 Grace played in the ‘PIANOWORKS’ gala concert at the Cadogan Hall and 2016 saw the digital release of Sacred. This was also broadcast over several days on BBC Radio 3 in 2015 for International Women’s Day.