Theo Sanders

 

Born in 2004 in Norfolk, pianist Theo Sanders is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, under the tutelage of Sally Ann Macleod. 

 

Recent highlights to date include receiving the Mrs E Sturgeon Piano Prize in the 31st Norfolk Young Musician competition, performing Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet alongside the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, and having masterclasses with international professors such as Philippe Cassard from France.

 

Theo began learning the piano at 7 years old, and later the cello in which he has played in several string ensembles with. Aged 14, Theo joined the Aldeburgh Young Musicians programme, a Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) providing a wide range of opportunities for young musicians in the East of England. In early 2020, he met Brenda Blewett at AYM - who became his piano teacher and mentor, preparing him for conservatoire in 2023.

 

Theo has given various solo recitals across the country, including as part of the Norwich School’s Making Musicians programme; playing in venues such as the Norwich Cathedral and Blakeney Church, as well as another recital as part of the Southwold Arts Festival. More recently, the Yorke Trust included Theo in their 2024-2025 recital series where he performed a varied programme. Prior to conservatoire study, Theo was the winner of the ‘Creativity prize’ as part of a national school’s academy awards ceremony held in Birmingham, with schools across the country involved. 

 

Although classically trained, Theo has a strong interest in jazz and plays in a number of college ensembles, as well as receiving jazz piano lessons from Dan Whieldon. He has his own quartet in Norwich and enjoys composing and arranging pieces for them, with which they have played gigs throughout the city. Theo has played the piano in the Royal Albert Hall with the Norfolk Student’s Jazz Orchestra as part of the Music for Youth Proms, as well winning the Shorten Cup given to best small ensemble as part of the Norfolk County Music Festival. 

 

Aside from music, Theo enjoys running, playing badminton and baking.