Lisa Timbs - Pianist
B.A. (Hons), F.I.S.M.,
S.E.D.A. Accredited Teacher
After completing her degree in music at Southampton University, Lisa returned to take up a post as piano tutor, where she remained for eleven years. She has had successful partnerships with both singers and instrumentalists, and been principal accompanist for a number of award-winning choirs, performing in the UK and abroad.
In 2012 Lisa purchased a rare 1826 Broadwood square piano and began her research into domestic music making, which is now her main focus. She recently added a second fully restored square piano to her collection, an 1822 model made by Tompkison, which she primarily uses for recording.
In order to share her work, Lisa founded ‘The Square Pianist’, a project which combines period instruments and authentic costume in historical settings, to bring the past and the music to life. Her work has been recognized in both local and national press and she has performed in stately homes and museums across the country, as well as in the presence of Royalty for the launch of Austen 200 by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
Funded by The Arts Council England, she has explored Jane Austen’s music collection and then in 2022, funded by Calderdale Council, her research focused on music books owned by Anne Lister, BBC’s ‘Gentleman Jack’. Footage from recordings made at Shibden Hall has been turned into a CD and documentary film which accompanied live performances during the Anne Lister Birthday Festival in Halifax, 2024.
Lisa is also an historical milliner and, using original techniques, makes replica hats for re-enactors, film, television and theatre.