Ronald Smith

Ronald Bertram Smith (3 January 1922 – 27 May 2004) was an English classical pianist, composer and teacher, born in London. He entered the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 16 with the Sir Michael Costa Scholarship for composition, after leaving the academy he studied privately in Paris with Marguerite Long, while also taking an external BMus degree from Durham University. He was a champion of piano works from the romantic period; most notably those of Charles-Valentin Alkan, of whom he also wrote a biography. Several CDs of his playing are available, most notably those of Alkan's works and of Frédéric Chopin's Études Opp. 10 and 25. He taught the piano for many years at The King's School, Canterbury. Smith died in Saltwood.