There are musicians for whom success seems to come early and others who mature more gradually. Benjamin Grosvenor falls into the former category, giving his first recital at age 10, winning the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician competition the following year and, in 2011, making his debut at the BBC Proms as the youngest-ever soloist to play on the opening night. Now a reflective 33, he has lost a little of the tousle-headed schoolboy look, though his thoughtful interpretations still suggest that his is an old head on young shoulders.

It’s perhaps not surprising to learn that two of his earliest influences were the legendary Russian-American pianists Vladimir Horowitz and Shura Cherkassky. “I was fascinated by Horowitz and his concept of sound, the sort of effects he was capable of and the extraordinary colours that he produced,” he explains. “Cherkassky I loved from very early on. People talk about how he wouldn’t play the same way twice, so a piece would be completely different every time. It’s that kind of in-the-moment quality which is inspiring.” 

Benjamin Grosvenor. Photo © Kaupo Kikkas

We’re chatting over Zoom ahead of Grosvenor’s...