Nicholas Williams is a pianist, writer and scholar based in Perth, Western Australia. He is passionate about the music, pianos and performance styles of the nineteenth century. Studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Nicholas completed a Master of Arts (Performing Arts) in 2020, and was recipient of the Royal Overseas League Early Keyboard Prize in 2021. Active as both soloist and accompanist, Nicholas regularly performs in Perth, and has presented conference papers and lecture-recitals in Australia and internationally. He is currently a PhD candidate and sessional piano teacher at WAAPA.
As a performer, Nicholas specialises in playing music of the nineteenth century on period pianos and modern pianos. Exploring the music of forgotten composers and experimenting with historical performance styles, Nicholas aims to bring a fresh approach to his concerts and performances, inspired by great performers of the past. He believes strongly that successful performances depend on good communication, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion with audiences, regularly speaking from the podium to explain the context or interesting aspects of the music he plays. Nicholas enjoys playing historical pianos, fortepianos and other early keyboard instruments.
As a researcher, he is interested in the performance styles of the nineteenth century and early sound recordings, with a particular focus on the piano-playing tradition associated with Franz Liszt. He graduated from WAAPA with First Class Honours in 2018, and in 2020, completed his Master’s thesis, entitled “A Study on Performing the Hungarian Rhapsodies in the Liszt Tradition.” His PhD research focuses on the life, career and piano-playing of the great pianist and pupil of Liszt, Arthur Friedheim (1859-1932) through writings, recordings and reception history. He has presented conference papers and lecture-recitals in Australia, Switzerland and Austria. You can read more about Nicholas' research here.
Nicholas is available for hire as a piano teacher, accompanist, concert pianist, lecturer and freelance music writer. See more here.