John Paul Ekins - British Pianist

"This was a first class recital, fully up to Wigmore Hall standard, evidently much enjoyed by the audience, who clearly appreciated John Paul's introductory remarks before each work, and who requested an early return of this accomplished young pianist."

Lewis Orchard, Woking Concert Society

"To my delight, John Paul chose to introduce each work. So confidently entertaining and professional was this that I wondered if BBC Radio 3 would direct their efforts to producing more solo events that combine the player’s programme choice with his performing expertise."
Bill Newman, Music & Vision Magazine

"A likeable recitalist, some of his playing was outstanding. He delivered the Chopin with considerable bravura and cumulative power. Ekins was fully in command of his three choices from Liszt's Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, but his best playing came in his last number - a splendid virtuoso piece, a superb programme closer, and it was performed magnificently. As an encore, Rodion Shchedrin’s Humoresque was played with delightful timing and wit."
Tully Potter, www.classicalsource.com

"Perfect touch and feeling...he went through all the emotions. This was a classic, purposeful account showing profound understanding...completely in control with some brilliant playing."
J. Bennett, Colston Hall

"...an event of festival quality, from which the performer emerged with flying colours. Classic purity in the Mozart - impeccably stylish and deft playing. Some dazzling Chopin, the elaborate Polonaise-Fantaisie, preceded the heaviest guns in Mr. Ekins' impressive armoury and the revelation of the evening - Liszt's Valley of Obermann. Pianistically this work pushes the performer to the limit, requiring prodigies of technical prowess. But it's also a soul-searcher, and John Paul was visibly moved by the end - his commitment had touched us all. This was a distinguished Aldeburgh debut, enlivened throughout by sensible introductory comments which were helpful without a hint of the dumbing down that these days mars so much musical presentation on the radio."
Humphrey Burton, CBE, Aldeburgh Gazette