COLCHESTER-based pianist Daniel Johnson is about to release his debut EP, hoping it will bring more another new audience to classical music.

Born and bred in Chesterfield, Daniel is a graduate from the Colchester Institute's Centre for Music and Performing Arts, where he was the winner of the awards for both solo and concerto performance.

Since leaving in 2008, he's remained in the town but has performed for some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines as well as concert tours around the UK.

His debut classical crossover EP is out on May 31 and as Daniel says will take listeners on a musical journey across the genres of pop, rock, the movies and classical music.

For more information go to www.classicalpianistuk.co.uk

What is your earliest musical memory?

Listening to an old record my dad had in his collection. It was a recording of a virtuosic piano work, Prelude in C sharp minor by Rachmaninov. I thought to myself 'I'm going to play that one day' and about five years later I did in a concert. I now play that piece regularly in my concerts.

When did you start playing the piano, why that instrument?

I started playing the piano when I was 13 years old, so later than average for a classical pianist, but it was probably the right time for me to begin. My parents engaged the Director of Music of the famous 'Crooked Spire' in Chesterfield, and from then on I was encouraged rather than pushed with music.

Where/when was your first concert, how did you feel?

At 15 years old I was offered the prestigious opportunity to perform a solo in a youth concert being put on in major venue in my home town, from that moment I knew I wanted a career in music.

What has been your greatest achievement to date professionally?

Every time I perform either in the country and on board luxury cruise liners I feel like 'I'm living the dream'. I'm extremely lucky to have a career as a performer and travel the world. It makes the six to eight hours a day spent in a practice room during three years of music college worth it.

What would be your dream concert, and why?

One of my dream concerts would be to perform on the Royal Variety Show. It's a opportunity where you can reach a huge and diverse audience and put across what you do. I've had so many audience members speak to me after a concert and tell me that I've made them 'like' classical music and that's a wonderful feeling as a performer.