One of the best things about being a pianist is getting to play the role of ‘orchestra’ for smaller-scale productions and performances. I’ve played for some thrilling close-up opera at the Grimeborn opera festival in London’s Arcola Theatre, and have taken the roles of rehearsal pianist, orchestral harp and workshop-leader for the Oxford Opera Company, which brings opera to new audiences with a winning combination of superb professional singers and community choruses.
My work as an MD and pianist takes me to around 35 venues a year around the UK, including a varied schedule of productions as the resident MD/pianist for Opera Anywhere, who tour to theatres, outdoor amphitheatres, punts, cowsheds and more, with repertoire including Mozart, Puccini, Humperdinck, Menotti, Barber, Walton and G&S.
With my musical theatre hat on, I’ve MDd about 20 shows for theatre companies, performing arts colleges and schools.
I accompany singers and instrumentalists for every level of examination, including Diploma recitals, and have played for masterclasses, concerts, workshops and recitals, including performances for the Oxford Lieder Festival and the Cheltenham Festival, and at St Martin in the Fields and other concert venues.
As a member of the Musicians’ Union, I follow MU guidance on fees. Please do drop me a line if you would like to know the current rates.
Reviews and Testimonials
… accompanied flawlessly by pianist Nia WIlliams.—
Nicola Lisle, Oxford TimesThe live music … was excellent, most especially the keyboard-playing of Nia Williams.— Simon Berry, Daily InfoYour accompaniment, as always, was supportive and beautifully musical — Testimonial, A Night At The Musicals
You play so well, with beauty, sensitivity, enjoyment and humour.—Testimonial, Dickens Day Recital