Richard Herriott

Richard Herriott, Pianist Composer, was born in Singapore in 1963, of British Parents. He spent his early childhood in London, England, and in 1967, the Herriott Family emigrated to Canada. He made his recital debut for CBC at age 12. At age 18, he made his Orchestral debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under Sir Andrew Davis to great acclaim from both audience and critics.

He has given Concerts in 14 Countries around the World, and has played under many great Conductors including Wyn Davies, John Pryce- Jones, Uri Mayer, Georg Tintner, and Kevin Mallon.

Herriott is also widely celebrated for his highly developed and unique ability of Improvisation. Major Ballet Companies in North America and Europe have repeatedly asked for his services as Dance Accompanist, in response to his highly energetic and imaginative original Music for Class. He has composed several short Ballets, and has also written Concerti for Guitar, Oboe, 2 Oboes, 2 Celli, and Piano.

In 2017, Herriott performed with Orchestra Toronto, under, Kevin Mallon, his 1st Piano Concerto " The Newfie Bullet ". In 2019, he premiered his 2nd Piano Concerto " an Electric organ, a Ladder and a Persian rug " with Orchestra Toronto under Michael Newnham. It was in November of 2019 that Herriott made his Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra debut under Marc David in a performance of his 1st Piano Concerto " The Newfie Bullet".

During the Pandemic, he increased his activities as a Composer in writing a 45 minute Solo Piano Suite and a 3rd Piano Concerto. He also made his Symphony in the Barn debut in a performance of Beethoven's Appassionate Sonata and returned in 2021 to appear again in a performance of Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto.

In the Autumn of 2022, Herriott will tour Eastern Ontario in a program featuring the World Premiere of his latest solo Piano work " Postcards from Northumberland " as well as his own solo Piano transcription of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. In June 2021, he was appointed Associate Composer Member of The Canadian Music Centre

Fun facts about me: 

What do you do in your free time?: Watch or read episodes of Sherlock Holmes, or continue to write my own Spy Stories. I’m always composing something.

Favourite travel destination: Newfoundland

Bucket List item: Perform the Khachaturian Piano Concerto with Orchestra