Pianist Kathryn Stott bids farewell in S'pore concert

The British musician performs with Singapore-based cellist Qin Li-Wei at the Victoria Concert Hall on Aug 31

- Shawn Hoo

British classical pianist Kathryn Stott does not know how or what she will play for leisure after she retires from her 45-year whirlwind career on stage at the end of 2024.

She has only ever played for work since her career took off abruptly when she was 19. Placing fifth at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1978, Stott went from performing zero to 90 concerts a year. "I didn't feel like I could say no to anything," she says.

Now, at the midpoint of her farewell tour, which ends with a final recital in Liverpool on Dec 11 - a day after she turns 66 - she wonders about the new relationship she will have with an instrument she has played since age five.

"I'm curious to know how I will go (back) to the piano - how long it might take me. It might be a week or months later. The fact is, I have a choice," says Stott, whose storied career includes a 40-year musical partnership with legendary American cellist Yo-Yo Ma and performing at the BBC Proms, an annual classical concert held at London's Royal Albert Hall.