An illuminating new recording from one of Australia’s finest pianists

Internationally acclaimed Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham turns his artistry to the Etudes of Chopin: music written to take pianists to the extremes of virtuosity while enchanting listeners with their beauty, elegance and lyricism.

On this landmark album, Gillham performs all 27 of these brilliant and captivating pieces, plus the stirring and passionate Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ‘Heroic’.

Chopin’s genius as both composer and pianist earned him the title poet of the piano: his touch brought the instrument to new dimensions of expressiveness. Before Chopin, etudes – the French term means study – were little more than exercises; in his hands, they took flight into new realms of creativity and delight.

For Jayson Gillham, hailed by Gramophone as a “story-teller” and described by Limelight as “the ideal romantic”, Chopin’s music is a natural fit, demanding both breathtaking technical skill and emotional sensitivity.

“The Chopin Etudes are a pinnacle of the piano repertoire—not just technically, but emotionally. Each one is a miniature world, and recording them has been a deeply personal journey. I wanted to bring out the poetry and drama in these works, not just the virtuosity,” says Gillham.

“This music reminds us that artistry is about communication — connecting listeners to the full spectrum of human feeling. That’s why I keep returning to Chopin: every time, he teaches me something new about empathy and beauty.”

Gillham is a regular soloist on concert platforms around the world, with recent highlights including performances with the London Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, The Hallé, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Nashville Symphony, Wuhan Philharmonic, and all major Australian and New Zealand orchestras.

Celebrated for his expressive style, formidable technique and warm rapport with audiences, Gillham was named Limelight’s 2024 Australian Artist of the Year in both the Critics’ and People’s Choice awards.

Album available NOW on CD and across digital platforms | ABCL0110

About Jayson Gillham

Described as a “story-teller” (Gramophone) and “the ideal romantic” (Limelight), Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham is internationally admired for his compelling performances and communicative warmth. His playing combines technical brilliance with a profound sense of humanity, earning him praise from audiences and critics worldwide.

Gillham’s career spans concerto, recital, and chamber performances across major international stages including Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Barbican, Auditorium du Louvre, and Melbourne Recital Centre. He records exclusively for ABC Classic, and his acclaimed releases include the Complete Beethoven Piano Concertos with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Romantic Bach.

“I am a musician because I believe in the power of music – to heal, to connect us to our emotions, indeed to foster kindness and compassion. Music is my greatest teacher and its greatest lesson is empathy.”
— Jayson Gillham

Take a Look at Jayson’s Website

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Born in Cairns (Far North Queensland – Australia) I am the youngest and the only boy of a family of five. My first serious job was as a Salesperson, the announcer, then Production Manager for 4AM. I spent in excess of ten years running my own successful entertainment agency before moving to Melbourne (Victoria – Australia) where I currently live, work and play. A week after arriving I joined the sales team at JOY 94.9fm – what was to be Australia’s first and only dedicated gay and lesbian radio station. I was clearly destined to be self-employed as fate would have it. Q Magazine was born in March 2004 and as they so rightly say ‘the rest is history’.

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