BIOGRAPHIES

Pianists Anne Applin and Geoffrey Pratley formed their Cambridge-based piano duet in 1990.  As duettists they aim to widen the appeal of the ensemble, bringing its attractive, but not frequently heard, repertoire to as wide an audience as possible with sparkling performances and rapport.

Anne Applin  has a  wide experience  of  piano  accompaniment and
ensemble playing. She is also an accomplished teacher, has broadcast and was an examiner for a number of years.
Anne graduated in Music with a BA(Hons) degree and then gained LRAM, LTCL and PGCE diplomas. Her tutors included James Denny, Duncan Druce, Robert Sherlaw-Johnson, Alan Soulsby and Christine Croshaw.
Her book of arrangements for piano duet is published by Kevin Mayhew.


They both have a wealth of experience as accompanists, playing in chamber ensembles, teaching and broadcasting. Together they give recitals, masterclasses and informative presentations, all of which can be individualised to requirements. They have also published books of arrangements for piano duet and recorded CDs.

Geoffrey Pratley is a leading accompanist and ensemble pianist. For many years he gave concerts with Dame Janet Baker, Paul Tortelier and Ralph Holmes and has partnered many other performers in cities worldwide. He is an experienced broadcaster.
A professor at the Royal Academy of Music until 2005 and currently at Trinity College of Music, Geoffrey gives masterclasses and is an examiner and adjudicator. He has a  BMus degree, was elected FRAM in 1977 and while president of the RAM Club 2004-2005 he organised a 'Warlockathon' - a performance of all 123 Warlock songs by students of the RAM.
His arrangements of Baroque arias and folksongs and piano reductions of instrumental concerti are published by OUP, Faber Music, Stainer & Bell and Kevin Mayhew. 


Anne and Geoffrey are always adding to repertoire for their recitals, including rarely performed works, some from archive, which bring an exciting, attractive and fresh dimension to the relatively small repertoire usually heard for the ensemble. As well as original duets, composers’ own arrangements for four hands of their own and other composers’ works for other instrumental combinations is a particular interest as is researching and discovering new (and sometimes long-forgotten) repertoire.

‘……a rare display of expertise and refinement’ (ISM Music Journal) 
‘….the rapport between these artistes was a revelation’ (West Somerset Free Press)
‘….the concert….was breathtaking and magical….brought the music truly alive, so it could be heard in all its fresh and glorious colour’ (audience comment)
‘….a recital full of variety and skill….a startling performance….the four hands never lost their rapport….’ (Shropshire Star)

Former Directors of the British Piano Duo Association EPTA UK, they are founders/tutors of the popular Piano Duet and Two Piano course at Benslow Music Trust in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, begun in 1997. Other courses founded, directed and tutored by Anne and Geoffrey include those held at Bretton Hall (Leeds University), Rossall School (Lancashire), Shrewsbury School, Wells Cathedral School and the RSAMD (Glasgow).

Anne and Geoffrey have developed a series of informative presentations, working at different levels and for all ages. They explore orchestral and vocal colour, on various themes, through the duet repertoire, to give stimulus and inspiration for listening, imaginative music-making and composition.