I'm lookng for some new piano pieces to learn c. grade 5/6.

I'm mostly looking for something 20th Century. I like the music of Howells, Leighton, Ireland, Benjamin.

Any suggestions?

David

For more contemporary music try Spectrum 2 from the Associated Board (and Spectrum 3). The original Spectrum also has a couple of grade 5 ish pieces. The pieces are definitely more modern but there are some real gems in the collections.

I have Spectrum 2 and 3..weird I must say!

Has anyone played a piece called Apertyx i think...where it has a funny comment at the bottom hehe

although i have not heard of any of your recommended composers i can always recommend Joe Hisaishi...

How about Douglas Lilburn? A New Zealand born composer (like the apteryx in ClarinetLover's post!). There is a collection of his short piano pieces called "Occasional Pieces for piano" published by Price Milburn - I'm sure you'd find something suitable in that.
They're not overtly 20th century (ie there's a tune ) but if you like Ireland you might like them.
Happy hunting!

Lots of 20th century composers... Kabalevsky, Bartok, Poulenc, John Field, Oliver Messian, Serge Prokofiev.. comes to mind. I'm sure you'll be able to find something for Grade 5/6. Like Bartok, he has Mikrokosmos Vol.1-6 which is intended for Grade 1 right up to 8 in those 6 volumes.

Grade V exam book has a Frank Bridge for you.

Kenneth Leighton's Sonatina is delightful - the 1st and 3rd movements are a bit tricky, but the middle slow section is heaven!
Few people seem to have heard of Leighton's piano music...he seems to be more remembered for choral works???