With a background steeped in jazz history, playing with giants such as Art Farmer and Joe Henderson, and following over thirty years of activity at the very highest level as soloist, bandleader, composer and educator, Fred Hersch has been described by Vanity Fair as ‘the most arrestingly innovative pianist in the last decade’. He returns to the Festival following the publication of Good Things Happen Slowly – ‘a brave memoir and coming-of-age book about jazz, sexual identity and creative authenticity’ (Gary Giddins) – telling the story of the first openly gay and HIV-positive jazz musician of note, and a passionate spokesperson for HIV awareness.

Following the screening of The Ballad of Fred Hersch, a poignantly realised film portrait directed by Charlotte Lagarde and Carrie Lozano, Fred Hersch will talk about the book and his music before the concert.