The Beethoven Sonatas

Following its acclaimed debut in 2024, the prestigious Edinburgh International Royal Mile Piano Series returns with a complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 Piano Sonatas, performed across the 2025-26 season. Showcasing exceptional talent from leading UK and international pianists, each recital offers a unique perspective on some of the most profound and beloved works in the piano repertoire.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of St Giles' Cathedral - illuminated by candlelight and enhanced by a newly installed Steinway grand piano - these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience at the heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.

Featuring
Simon Watterton (piano)

Programme
Bach - Prelude and Fugue in E Minor from Book 1 of the Well-Tempered Klavier
Beethoven - Sonata in E Minor op.90
Mendelssohn - Mendelssohn - Song Without Words - Selection - to include Op.67 no.4 in C Major, 'Spinning Song'Song 
Rachmaninoff - Vocalise
Rachmaninoff - Prelude in C Sharp Minor op.3 no.2
Rachmaninoff - Prelude in B Flat Major op.23 no.2.
Mendelssohn - Rondo Capriccioso op.14

About Simon Watterton
Wirral born pianist Simon Watterton has given recitals as soloist and chamber musician all across the world. In recent years he has performed in China, Canada, the USA, Sweden and Italy as well as extensively in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
He made his concerto debut at London's Cadogan Hall and was featured as a Rising Star in International Piano Magazine at the time of a cycle he gave of all the Beethoven piano sonatas in London. He has appeared at the Wigmore Hall, St John's, Smith Square and the Purcell Room, as well as performing live on Radio 3's InTune and for Classic FM.
As chamber musician he has made two visits on a collaborative piano internship to the Banff Centre, Canada, and has worked with a number of artists including his wife, Irish violinist Anna Cashell, 'cellist Raphael Wallfisch and violinist Daniel Rohn. In addition to this his piano trio have also performed extensively in the UK to critical acclaim.