A pianist dubbed both as a “formidable talent” as well as “Australia’s pre-eminent chamber music pianist”, Kathryn Selby has performed with orchestras and chamber groups around the world, most extensively throughout Australia and North America. For nearly 15 years she was the anchor of the Macquarie Trio, which made many recordings, several of which were nominated for the Best Classical Album ARIA award. She’s perhaps most familiar to us now as the name behind the popular series of chamber music recitals, Selby and Friends which the Sydney Morning Herald has described as “chamber music at its best”.

Kathy talks about how her passion for the piano led her to study in the United States from a very young age. We hear about the founding of Selby & Friends, the challenges of making a career as a pianist, and the rise and fall of the Macquarie Trio. She also touches on her personal struggle of her early move to the States, plus stories about the many great musicians who have influenced her. 

Selby & Friends next concert series, Joyeux Anniversaire, is on around the country from the 6th to the 13th of April.

Kathy's music selections

Brahms, J. – Symphony no 4 – 1st mvt
West Australian Symphony Orchestra; Asher Fisch, conductor
ABC Classics – 481 4413

Mendelssohn, F. – Variations sérieuses
Kathryn Selby, piano
ABC Classics – 432 700-2

Schubert, F. – Symphony no 8 “Unfinished” – 2nd mvt
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra; Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor
ABC Classics – 476 4740

Schumann, R. – Im wunderschönen Monat Mai, from Dichterliebe
Dietrich Fisher Dieskau, tenor; Alfred Brendel, piano
Philips – 416 352-1

Streisand, B. – Papa, can you hear me? From Yentl
Barbra Streisand
Sony – SICP 31682-3

Mozart, W.A. – Requiem – Introitus
Academy of Ancient Music; Choir of King’s College Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury, director
Turner Classic Movies Music – 8122719632