Our Patron - John Lill CBE

We were delighted when John Lill, having previously joined us as a performer, agreed to become Patron of Sarratt Festival of Music in 2005.

John’s “Musical CV” is extensive and impressive – his achievements are numerous. We’ll try to summarise.

Best known for his interpretations of Beethoven, John first came to international attention as a pianist when he won the coveted Tchaikowsky award in Moscow in 1970 he has since gone on to become one of the best known performers in the world.

He has made numerous recordings including the complete piano concertos of Beethoven, Brahms and Rachmaninoff, as well as the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven and Prokoviev; his talents aren’t just confined to the studio, however: did you know that he has given over 30 BBC Promenade concerts and that he appears regularly with all the major Symphony Orchestras?

He has also performed in the United States with the Symphony Orchestras of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC – to name but a few!

Having been made on OBE in 1978, John was awarded a CBE in the 2005 New Year’s Honours List.

Speaking of Sarratt Festival of Music, John said:

“I warmly congratulate all connected with the Sarratt Festival on the remarkable success that it has become. In the light of the attempted starvation of music by successive governments, town councils, education and media, this is truly remarkable and long may it continue. The Festival represents a unique annual event in a beautiful and unspoiled part of England and to offer such a wide range of real culture to an ever-increasing public is an inspiring achievement.”