Noteworthy

Renowned for her extraordinary artistry and deep musical insight, Angela Hewitt stands as one of today’s leading pianists, celebrated particularly for her interpretations of Bach. With an illustrious career that has taken her to major concert halls across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, she has captivated audiences as both a soloist and a play-conductor with many of the world’s leading orchestras. An award-winning recording artist, she has an extensive discography—including the complete Bach cycle for Hyperion Records—that has been hailed as “one of the record glories of our age” (The Sunday Times). Among her many accolades, she was the first woman to receive the City of Leipzig Bach Medal in its 17-year history.

This season, Hewitt continues her ambitious Mozart Odyssey, performing the composer’s complete piano concertos in engagements across nine countries, including with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She also maintains a vibrant recital schedule with appearances in New York, Vienna, Rome, and London’s Wigmore Hall. Ahead of her return to Toronto, Hewitt shares her thoughts on music, artistry, and the moments that have shaped her remarkable career.

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I’ve never thought about having a personal philosophy. I’ve just worked hard all my life. As a child, I did so many different things—not just piano. Classical ballet, violin, recorder, singing, Highland dancing. I bicycled, skated, even went to school! 

Around 15, I realized the piano was going to be the most important thing in my life, so gradually, I let the others go. I haven’t wasted time. Probably, I’m what you would call a high achiever. But I wasn’t pressured into any of it. Maybe the secret is to really enjoy what you do and put all your heart and soul and energy into it. That gets you through.

There have been performances after which I’ve been in tears—not just because of the beauty and power of the music, but also because of the immense effort, concentration, and expression that goes into it. Beethoven’s final piano sonata, Op. 111, at Wigmore Hall. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, all in one concert in the Basilica of San Pietro in Perugia. I hope that at all my concerts someone in the audience is profoundly affected by the music. Then I know all the hard work is worthwhile.

Performing has been my life. I don’t have a family of my own, but I have friends all over the world. They’re very important to me. Still, my life is my work, and I’m not complaining.

What inspires me? Friendships. Relationships. Understanding human nature. Being inspired by great musicians.

Ian McEwan mentioned me and my interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations in his novel Saturday. After that, we became close friends and performed together. My life has been enriched through his friendship.

Music brings great comfort in times of trouble, grief, and illness. I remember visiting my father in a nursing home, playing an Easter hymn as he used to do at the Cathedral in Ottawa. A man with Alzheimer’s—who hadn’t spoken in years—suddenly began to sing all the words. His family and the rest of us were in tears. Music often stays with you when the rest goes.

A life without music must be a very sad life. I agree with Hector Berlioz, who wrote at the end of his Mémoires:

What I love most about my craft is that I’m never bored. I spend every day of my life with the greatest music ever written. And it gives people joy.

I don’t drive. But when I’m on airplanes, I listen to Cabin Pressure, a British radio comedy. I know it from memory. A friend of mine, Roger Allam, is one of the actors—along with Benedict Cumberbatch. It’s brilliant.

See Angela Hewitt with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra:

Angela Hewitt Plays Mozart

Wed, Mar 26–Sun, Mar 30, 2025

Marta Gardolińska, conductor
Angela Hewitt, piano

Program:
Reicha: Overture in D Major
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 “Scottish”

Discover where music and life intersect in Intermezzo as we bring you closer to the artists who shape the TSO experience. Keep an eye out for more of these insightful conversations.