Pimlico and surrounding areas Area Guide

Artur Haftman is an internationally renowned concert pianist, widely acclaimed for his exceptional artistry and profound interpretation of Chopin's compositions, as acknowledged by music critics on a global scale. In the review for The Boston Musical Intelligencer, David Moran expressed his awe at the exquisite and mellifluous sound, along with the captivating approach Artur Haftman brings to his performances, comparable to the remarkable impact Murray Perahia had over four decades ago. Born in Poland, Artur Haftman's passion for music was kindled under the guidance of his mother, Marzena Haftman, also a pianist herself. At the age of six, he embarked on his piano journey under the tutelage of Ewa Kubiak-Kubacka and Jolanta Reszelska, culminating in his debut performance with the Koszalin Youth Philharmonic Orchestra when he was merely eight years old. Since his noteworthy orchestral debut, Artur has garnered a stellar reputation through triumphs in over 25 esteemed international competitions. Noteworthy achievements include securing prizes such as the Virtuosite II category in the Concours International De Piano Paris ST. Maur Des Foses, alongside a prestigious accolade from the publishing house Combre in Paris in 2006. Furthermore, he achieved first place at the 7th Juliusz Zarebski International Music Competition in Lomianki/Warsaw in 2007, the 7th International Chopin Competition in Narva, Estonia in 2010, the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth in Szafarnia in 2011, the 18th International Piano Competition in Palma de Mallorca in 2011, the International Chopin Piano Competition in Rzeszów in 2012, the International Music Competition "Musicaclassica" in Moscow, the "Gold Parnas" (The grand prize) at the International Piano Forum "Bieszczady bez granic" in Sanok in 2013, and the Laureate title at the 47th Polish Piano Festival in Slupsk in 2013. He has also been recognized with notable awards such as the prizewinner at the "Cesar Franck International Piano Competition" in Brussels in 2014, III International Piano Competition "Villa de Xàbia" in 2015. During his studies at the Royal College of Music, he was the esteemed recipient of the Gary and Eleanor Brass Scholarship, as well as the Carnwath Piano Scholarship, an honor exclusive to him among all pianists in the entire United kingdom. In 2020, he graduated from the Royal College of Music with highest honours for the Artist Diploma Degree in the class of Professor Dimitri Alexeev and Professor Jianing Kong. While currently based in London, Artur Haftman's musical pursuits extend far beyond, as he captivates a global audience with his extraordinary aptitude and remarkable talent. His solo recitals have enraptured listeners across a diverse range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Lithuania, Italy, the United States, Slovakia, and Germany. He is highly honoured to have esteemed audience members including, HRH Duke of Kent, HRH Princess Alexandra, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, HRH Princess Michael of Kent, HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, Former Ambassador of Poland to the United Kingdom Arkady Rzegocki, Lord Frederick Windsor, Lady Colin Campbell and more. On 15 October 2025, following Artur's performance, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent remarked, With you playing, the music can never die (Daily Mail, 18 October 2025). Additionally, Artur has conducted masterclasses and performed across the globein China, South Korea, Russia, the United States, France, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, and beyondappearing in prestigious venues such as presidential palaces, Steinway Hall, and the philharmonic halls. He has performed both as a solo artist and in collaboration with world-renowned musicians, including Professor Tomasz Strahl, Rector of the Chopin University in Warsaw, among others. Moreover, Artur actively serves as a jury member for the London International Chopin Competition, which he co-founded and where he is the Artistic Director. He also holds the position of Artistic Director at SIMA Classics Education and SIMA Classics Masterclass, leading classical music education organizations based in London. In the upcoming year, Artur will be teaching masterclasses and performing in Seoul, South Korea; Shanghai, China; Szczecin, Poland; London, United Kingdom; and other international cities. He will play: Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor, Op.11 Chopin Piano Concerto No.2 in F minor, Op.21 Accompanied by an instrumental ensemble This concert is sponsored by the Polish Cultural Institute as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025 Our piano, a fine 2015 Hamburg Steinway Model B Grand, was chosen for us by Steinway's famous Head of Concert & Artist Services, Ulrich Gerhartz. It is maintained by Steinways, who tune it immediately before each recital. After the concert we offer a traditional English tea of freshly-made sandwiches with savouries, cakes and chocolate biscuits accompanied by a choice of a glass of wine, or unlimited tea, coffee or juice. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow music-lovers and make new friends. Tea tickets are £10 (standard), £5 (students & schoolchildren), £4 (Youth Members). They are sold on the door for cash only. We can cater for up 70.