Ludovico Einaudi at the Royal Albert Hall

A truly extraordinary evening of exemplary musicianship from Einaudi and his outstanding musicians.

(c) Andrew Paradise @Paradiseph0t0

Einaudi broke records and entranced sell-out audiences with the longest continuous headline run by a pianist in the history of the Royal Albert Hall, with five shows from 29 June to 4 July. Not only did he perform some of his major ensemble works, but he also slotted in a section including his most popular and virtuosic solo pieces.

As part of his tour to support his Decca album The Summer Portraits, he also sold-out shows in Dublin, Edinburgh and Manchester. The musicians joining him on stage are breathtaking, with bass, percussion and keyboards on one side and five string players and accordion on the other. The lead violinist not only lead brilliantly but also swapped onto guitar from time to time. At one point I realised what had been bothering me since the start of the show - the lead violin, accordion and lead cello were all playing without music: impressive and also a less cluttered stage, missing music stands.

Opening for the shows was Sam Lee. He is a Mercury prize nominated singer and passionate conservationist, with nature at the heart of his music. He sits in a space between folk, traditional and contemporary music and he's even written a novel - 'The Nightingale, notes on a songbird' - which seems to bring it all together. It's on my summer reading list.

Sam is not only a ground-breaking and thought-provoking musicians, but also a co-founder of Music Declares Emergency, which aims to bring together musicians and audiences to help bring about behavioural change. Their goal is clear: "We believe in the power of music to promote the cultural change needed to create a better future."

As I left the Albert Hall, I bumped into Sam and asked him about his shruti box, an unusual musical instrument that he seems to have made his own. It's similar to a harmonium and produces a drone that accompanies many of Sam's songs.

Meanwhile, following this six-night record-breaking residency at the Royal Albert Hall,

Einaudi has announced Solo Piano. This series of concerts will expand that solo section of the current tour, where the band leaves the stage for the maestro alone. 2026 promises much from the masterful Italian pianist and composer.