Conducting the London Mozart Players from the keyboard during these three inter-linked concerts, Howard will take us chronologically through the concertos, presenting each with a personal introduction illustrating how Beethoven gave the piano an ever-increasing dramatic and heroic power, even as, in his personal life he moved from exuberant vigour to silent isolation.

In addition to Howard Shelley’s 70th birthday, 2020 also sees the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, and when the London Mozart Players suggested the idea of a special celebration to Howard (who has given hundreds of performances with them over 45 years and is their Conductor Laureate) he decided that the joy and challenge of performing these five masterpieces in one sweep would be the most thrilling and indulgent 70th birthday present anyone could wish for.