Jude Richardson, is a graduate of the USA’s Jacobs School of Music, now performing and teaching regularly in the Leicestershire area. Born in Bermuda, his upbringing exposed him to Afro-American spirituals and hymns. He also was captivated by classical music after being gifted music CDs by family friends. Fascinated by music and performing, Jude began to teach himself piano, and by age 13, had mastered difficult works including Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu.

After playing the Fantasie Impromptu for ex-jazz trumpeter and piano tuner Carl Shechtman, Mr. Schechtman connected Jude with arts nonprofits and scholarship programmes who provided the funding for him to begin taking piano lessons at the Bermuda School of Music, where he earned his Grade 8 Piano ABRSM. Later, the Bermuda arts community generously provided funding for him to study music in Denver, Colorado, with professional pianist and professor Alice Rybak who prepared him for university music auditions. Upon starting his studies at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music, he was awarded a full scholarship, the David & Barbara Jacobs Scholarship to support his studies with international competition-winning pianist Evelyne Brancart.

Throughout his studies, Jude has performed regularly in Bermuda and the USA, having played at important music showcases including Bermuda’s Premier’s Concerts (2014 & 2017), Indiana University’s Summer Piano Academy (2014-2018), and provided music for countless events, fundraisers, and private recitals. Arriving in Leicester in 2022, Jude met Paul Jenkins, retired UoL chemistry professor and active conductor and musician. Since then Jude has been piano soloist with the University of Leicester symphony orchestra, has provided accompaniment to the University Chorus and worked with student vocalists. He also performed Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor in June with the Rugby Rococo Players with Dr. Jenkins as conductor. He recently performed Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Leicester Symphony Orchestra in De Montfort Hall with Dexter Drown as conductor. In addition to performing, Jude writes his own music and teaches piano lessons from the Bishop Street Methodist Church. He has an Instagram account (jrichardsonpiano) and a website (www.juderichardson.com) where he provides information on lessons, performances, and new works.