During the 1980s he won major prizes at several international competitions, resulting in performances in Europe, America and Japan. He also appeared frequently in London's major concert halls and at international festivals. He played the complete concertos of Beethoven and Brahms (amongst many others) appearing with the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Scottish, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and English Chamber Orchestras. In 1988 alone he performed in four continents: Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. Opportunities for TV and radio performances followed both at home and abroad.

In 1989 he made his BBC Promenade Concert recital début with Evelyn Glennie. Their partnership has continued with appearances worldwide, including recitals at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the Hollywood Bowl. They have played in the presence of royalty and heads of state in several countries. Their critically acclaimed New York recital début took place at the Lincoln Center in 1998.

1999 took Philip Smith to the Far East, North America, Europe and of course the UK: his third complete Beethoven concerto cycle took place in Nottingham. More recent concerto performances include Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at Symphony Hall, Birmingham and at the Royal Festival Hall in London. He also played the Grieg concerto with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Barbican Hall.

Recordings include Liszt's complete "Soirées de Vienne" (Meridian) and several CDs with Dame Evelyn Glennie. The most recent with Evelyn also includes saxophonist John Harle in music by Dave Heath. In 2000 Philip Smith and clarinettist Bernhard Röthlisberger began their duo partnership with concerts in Switzerland and the UK. They went on to make a CD of the clarinet sonatas by Brahms and his pupil Gustav Jenner.

Since the new millennium highlights have included a series of six Mozart concertos in Colchester and tours to Italy, Germany, Norway, Iceland, Korea and Japan. In 2008 he gave a recital and masterclass at the Chetham’s International Summer School for Pianists in Manchester. Philip also enjoys performing aboard ship on classical music cruises.

Philip Smith's website is at www.philipsmith.org.uk