Upcoming Performances

Leicester Cathedral Lunchtime Recital

28 October 2024, 12:30pm. Free entrance. 45mins.

About Jude

Jude Richardson, is a piano graduate of the USA’s Jacobs School of Music, now performing and teaching regularly in the Leicestershire area. Born in Bermuda, his upbringing exposed him to Afro-American spirituals and hymns. He also was captivated by classical music after being gifted music CDs by family friends. Fascinated by music and performing, Jude began to teach himself piano, and by age 13, had mastered difficult works including Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu.

After playing the Fantasie Impromptu for ex-jazz trumpeter and piano tuner Carl Shechtman, Mr. Schechtman connected Jude with arts nonprofits and scholarship programmes who provided the funding for him to begin taking piano lessons at the Bermuda School of Music, where he earned his Grade 8 Piano ABRSM. Later, the Bermuda arts community generously provided funding for him to study music in Denver, Colorado, with world-class pianist Alice Rybak and at the Jacobs School of Music, with competition-winning pianist Evelyne Brancart. Upon starting his studies at the prestigious music school, he was awarded a full scholarship, the David & Barbara Jacobs Scholarship to support his studies.

Throughout his studies, Jude has performed regularly in Bermuda and the USA, having played at important music showcases including Bermuda’s Premier’s Concerts (2014 & 2017), Indiana University’s Summer Piano Academy (2014-2018), and provided music for countless events, fundraisers, and private recitals. His sister Eden studied Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester and she was a member of the University of Leicester Chorus. When Jude decided to come to Leicester, Eden contacted Paul Jenkins, retired UoL chemistry professor and active conductor and musician, to ask if he could find some opportunities for a pianist. Since then Jude has been piano soloist with the UoL symphony orchestra, provided accompaniment to the University Chorus and worked with student vocalists. He also performed Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor in June with the Rugby Rococo Players with Dr. Jenkins as conductor and continues to regularly perform at the Attenborough Arts Centre. He is scheduled to perform Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Leicester Symphony Orchestra on 3 March 2024 in De Montfort Hall. In addition to performing, Jude teaches piano lessons from the Bishop Street Methodist Church and has an Instagram account, jrichardsonpiano, where he provides information on upcoming performances and lessons.