The Rachmaninoff Preludes

Step into the stunning candlelit setting of St Mary le Strand — “the Jewel of the Strand” — for the return of The Strand International Piano Series, now it's in fourth year after a critically acclaimed launch season in 2022–23. This intimate and architecturally impressive Baroque church has quickly become one of London’s most captivating concert venues, offering sublime acoustics along with the power and clarity of a brand-new Steinway concert grand piano.

This year’s series celebrates one of the most evocative and emotionally charged achievements in the piano repertoire: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes. Spanning every major and minor key, these works offer a sweeping portrait of the composer’s inner world—from thunderous drama and virtuosic brilliance to haunting lyricism and introspective beauty. Written across different periods of his life, the preludes reflect the full range of Rachmaninoff’s genius, and each concert in the series reveals a new facet of his profound musical voice.

Whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or discovering classical piano music for the first time, this is an evening not to be missed—set in one of London’s most atmospheric musical spaces, just steps away from some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars.

Featuring

• Martin Cousin (piano)

Programme

• Beethoven – Piano Sonata in B-flat major, Op. 22


• Rachmaninoff – Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 2


• Prokofiev – Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83

About the Artist
Internationally renowned pianist Martin Cousin is widely praised for his commanding technique and deeply expressive performances. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, Martin has earned top prizes at major international competitions, including First Prize at the Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competition and the Gold Medal at the Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition. He has appeared with leading orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and BBC Concert Orchestra, and has performed at iconic venues across Europe, North America, and Asia. Known for his musical insight and poetic touch, Martin brings Beethoven’s sonatas vividly to life.