Piano/keyboards 1B

Cheslav has performed internationally as a pianist at renowned venues, on radio and television in many different contexts, playing everything from Beethoven to free jazz. Since 2011, he has been actively involved in contemporary classical music, having co- founded the audiovisual group a=b=x=y. As s composer he has written in genres ranging from solo pieces to works for symphony orchestra. He is also the co-founder of Our 'PL'ace Foundation, through which, among other activities, he co-curates an annual International Audiovisual Art Festival. As an educator, he is the author of two academic courses on music appreciation, based on the methodology set out by Dr Craig White of Yale University. Cheslav remains active in searching for extended playing techniques on the border between acoustic and electronic music, plays the organ, has a keen interest in tuning systems and is an active student and researcher of Gurba¯n?i¯ San?gi¯ta, having had the immense fortune of being able to work with and for its foremost exponent Bhai Baldeep Singh since 2013.

Early signs of musical activity indicated David’s future path, and after taking grades on both piano and viola, he obtained a first-class honours degree in music at Leeds University, studying both instruments. He subsequently completed a postgraduate jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying piano with Simon Purcell, where he obtained an LGSM. He obtained an MMus in composition with Merit at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, with support from the Trinity College London scholarship, studying with Deirdre Gribbin, Gwyn Pritchard and Paul Newland. David is passionate about teaching, and teaches adult piano students at City Lit, as well as piano to individuals in his private practice and to young learners for Richmond Music Trust. He also performs from time to time as a jazz and classical pianist and undertakes practical music examining work for ABRSM jazz and classical syllabuses both in the UK and abroad. David also enjoys playing chamber music on viola.