(COMPONENT 2: PERFORMING) What is the difference between a solo and an ensemble performance?

In a solo performance it is the job of the accompanist to respond to the needs of the soloist; in an ensemble performance the performers are equal partners. Therefore, somebody who wanted to play a solo with piano accompaniment as an ensemble would not be demonstrating a different skill from their solo performance. However, the skills needed by the piano accompanist are quite different from those they need as a soloist, which is why piano accompaniment is allowed as an ensemble skill.

For further clarification please refer to the extensive comments made on this by the Principal Examiner in the Principal Examiner reports.