Cordelia Williams

Cordelia Williams is recognised for the depth and intensity of her playing. ‘Extraordinary’ (Gramophone), ‘a stunning revelation’ (MusicWeb International); she has performed all over the world, including concertos with the English Chamber Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as recitals at Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Beijing Concert Hall. Her recordings include the music of Schubert and Schumann; her 2018 CD featuring music by Bach and Pärt was described as a ‘superb concept... brilliantly realised’, while 2021’s Nightlight was Recording of the Year and Critic’s Choice: ‘consummate artistry’. She enjoys introducing the music she plays and using imaginative programming to tell new stories.

As well as a vibrant duo partnership with violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Cordelia creates unusual collaborations across disciplines. Alongside her performing career she gained a First in Theology from Clare College, Cambridge; her curiosity towards religions and faith led to her year-long project, Between Heaven and the Clouds. In partnership with award-winning poet Michael Symmons Roberts, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Rowan Williams and artist Sophie Hacker, this ambitious series of events and performances explored the music, context and theology of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus.

In 2021 she spent time performing, teaching and filming in Kenya. Her documentary-film On Being a Pianist in Kenya explores the challenges facing young aspiring classical musicians in Nairobi. Cordelia can be found on YouTube at youtube.com/CordeliaWilliams where she shares practice insights and videos about performing life.