THE SOLO PIANO SERIES

Transcription

1 PRESENTED BY PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL 2018 / 2019 SEASON THE SOLO PIANO SERIES HAROLD GRAY / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS 2018 / 2019 SEASON 1

2 WELCOME Welcome to the 2018 / 2019 SOLO Piano Series! When I was asked by the Portland Piano International / SOLO Board to return and curate this season, I initially hesitated. I was honored by the request, but I hadn t thought I would ever come out of retirement. Being Artistic Director for 35 years was long enough! I was content to watch the organization take new direction under Arnaldo Cohen these last five seasons. Still, the opportunity to help start the next 40 years of piano performances was just too tempting.* I hope that you will be inspired and delighted by the final selections! OUR VISION Unveiling International Talent on the Oregon Stage I feel so fortunate to be able to present two of my favorite artists from the past Angela Hewitt and Olga Kern. It has been more than a decade since either graced our stage. This season I m also happy to introduce to you some artists whom I wanted to present, but never got the chance: Rachel Cheung and Behzod Abduraimov. For Behzod s Saturday performance, we have an additional treat; in the second half he will be performing duo repertoire with his teacher and mentor, Cliburn winner Stanislav Ioudenitch. I m also pleased that we are able to bring back Benjamin Grosvenor he is only 26 years old and this will be his second engagement on the Series! Finally, we have engaged Boris Giltburg who will make his Portland debut playing two fascinating programs, including one with only Rachmaninov! Please join us for what promises to be a season to remember! Harold Gray Artistic Director Emeritus * I also knew that it would be a lot of fun working with our Executive Director, Ellen Bergstone Wasil. Her only request of me was that we have a healthy balance of genders represented this season! COVER IMAGE OF ANGELA HEWITT K. SAUNDERS; INSIDE COVER PHOTO OF BENJAMIN GROSVENOR SOPHIE WRIGHT PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL APPRECIATES THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS

3 SAT & SUN OCT 6 & 7 / 4PM OLGA KERN BORIS GILTBURG SAT & SUN NOV 10 & 11 / 4PM NATIONALITY Russian- American HOME New York AGE 43 NOTEWORTHY Co-winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn Gold Medal in 2001 and the first woman to do so in 30 years; in 2017, Ms. Kern received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, joining other honorees including Rosa Parks, Buzz Aldrin, Coretta Scott King, and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O Connor. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR TEACHERS OF YOUNG PIANO STUDENTS? Patience is the most important quality to possess. Young students who are just starting lessons are fragile and not sure about themselves. Each student is like a fragile flower that has a unique personality. "Her electricity at the keyboard is palpable, as though she generates from the music itself, as it flows through her fingers it takes on fresh voltage that is unmistakably hers." WASHINGTON POST PHOTO CHRIS LEE PHOTO SASHA GUSOV "Every phrase is imaginatively coloured or nuanced, and never out of gimmicky point making, always because he has something worth saying." GRAMOPHONE NATIONALITY Israeli HOME Rishon Le Zion, Israel & Haarlem, Holland AGE 34 NOTEWORTHY Winner of the 2013 Queen Elisabeth Competition IF YOU WEREN'T A CONCERT PIANIST, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? There are two possibilities I would either be a linguist, as languages are my hobby, or else I would be a computer programmer, as computers are my second hobby, one which even takes more time than the first. WHICH PIANISTS HAVE INSPIRED YOU? Artur Rubinstein (first and foremost), Richter, Gilels and Grigory Sokolov. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED PLAYING A DIFFERENT INSTRUMENT? I have played the violin for half a year when I was six years old (on my own request). As it was just the beginning I was probably pretty horrible at it OLGAKERN.ORG BORIS GILTBURG.COM WITNESS THE ULTIMATE ARTIST S CHALLENGE AND DEDICATION ENCOUNTER THE ARTIST S CHALLENGE OF BACK-TO-BACK DAYS SATURDAY SATURDAY SCARLATTI, D. Three Sonatas BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata in C Major, Op. 53, No. 21 "Waldstein" LEE, JAMES Window to Eternity's Threshold (World Premiere) RACHMANINOV Moments Musicaux, Op. 16, No. 4 in E minor; 7 Morceaux de salon, Op. 10, No. 3 "Barcarolle"; Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3, No. 4 "Polichinelle" SCRIABIN Etudes Nos. 4 and 5, Op. 42 BALAKIREV Islamey, Op PORTLANDPIANO.ORG BEETHOVEN 10 Variations on a Theme by Salieri SCHUMANN Carnaval, Op. 9 GERSHWIN Three Preludes; "Fascinating Rhythm" from Seven Virtuoso Etudes (arr. Earl Wild) RACHMANINOV Moments Musicaux, Op. 16, No. 4 in E minor; 7 Morceaux de salon, Op. 10, No. 3 "Barcarolle"; Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3, No. 4 "Polichinelle" SCRIABIN Etudes Nos. 4 and 5, Op. 42 BALAKIREV Islamey, Op. 18 RAVEL Le tombeau de Couperin, M. 68 BEETHOVEN Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata" SHOSTAKOVICH String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73 (arr. for piano B. Giltburg) PROKOFIEV Piano Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28 RACHMANINOV Prelude No. 1 in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2 Ten Preludes, Op. 23 Thirteen Preludes, Op / 2019 SEASON 5

4 SAT & SUN DEC 1 & 2 / 4PM RACHEL CHEUNG BEHZOD ABDURAIMOV AND STANISLAV IOUDENITCH SAT & SUN JAN 26 & 27 / 4PM NATIONALITY Hong Kongese HOME Hong Kong AGE 27 NOTEWORTHY Finalist and Audience Award Winner at the 2017 Cliburn International Piano Competition WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM OTHER PIANISTS? Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau said we should never play to impress others. Do not let pride get in your way and always stay humble. His saying really gets into me. WE HEAR YOU HAVE TAKEN TO WORKING OUT AT THE GYM THIS PAST YEAR. WHY? Being physically stronger benefits my playing, so that my performance is not affected at the latter stage of a long piece, or my body does not crumble afterwards. Cheung didn t put on a show for us, she drew us into the music s magic. This will be a hard act to follow. DALLAS MORNING NEWS PHOTO NISSOR ABDOURAZAKOV The Uzbek pianist is the master of all he surveys. THE TIMES BEHZOD ABDURAIMOV NATIONALITY Uzbek HOME Kansas City, KS AGE 28 NOTEWORTHY Winner of the 2009 London Piano Competition BEHZODABDURAIMOV.COM STANISLAV IOUDENITCH NATIONALITY Uzbek HOME Kansas City, KS AGE 47 NOTEWORTHY Co-winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition RACHELCHEUNG.COM BEYOND THE SCORE See page 13 for details EXPERIENCE THE EXERTION OF TWO UNIQUE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES PARTICIPATE IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF AN ARTIST SATURDAY SATURDAY MOZART Rondo in A minor FRANCK/BAUER Prélude, Fugue et Variation in B WAGNER/LISZT Isolde's Liebestod WAGNER/LISZT Isolde's Liebestod SCHUMANN Fantasie, Op. 17 minor, Op. 18 LISZT Sonata in B minor, S. 178 LISZT Sonata in B minor, S. 178 JANACEK In the Mists CHOPIN 24 Preludes, Op. 28 PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75 SCHUBERT/LISZT Auf dem Wasser zu singen SCHUBERT Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960 PERFORMED WITH STANISLAV IOUDENITCH: LISZT Les jeux d eaux à la Villa d Este; ARENSKY Suite for two pianos No. 1, Op. 15 Mephisto Waltz, No. 1 RACHMANINOV Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos 6 PORTLANDPIANO.ORG 2018 / 2019 SEASON 7

5 SAT & SUN MAR 16 & 17 / 4PM BENJAMIN GROSVENOR ANGELA HEWITT FRI MAY 3 / 7:30PM SUN May 5 / 4PM NATIONALITY British HOME London AGE 26 NOTEWORTHY Inaugural recipient of the Ronny and Lawrence Ackman Classical Piano Prize at the New York Philharmonic in 2016 WHAT PIANISTS DO YOU ADMIRE? I'm interested in pianists of the older generation - both the absolute merits of their playing and their musical devices that are not often used these days. I love listening to pianists like Vladimir Horowitz, Alfred Cortot and Shura Cherkassky, who all had such unique voices at the piano. WHERE WAS YOUR MOST UNUSUAL PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE? I once performed to 13 people in a barn at an opera festival in the middle of Wales. The sparrows flying around made up the numbers. BENJAMINGROSVENOR.COM "Benjamin Grosvenor delivers virtuosity beyond his years. If you haven't heard him, hear him now exquisite dynamic control, crisp articulation and sustained lyricism " LOS ANGELES TIMES PHOTO PATRICK ALLEN PHOTO BERND EBERLE I know of no musician whose Bach playing on any instrument is of greater subtlety, beauty of tone, persuasiveness of judgement or instrumental command..." BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE BEYOND THE SCORE See page 13 for details NATIONALITY Canadian HOME London AGE 60 NOTEWORTHY Beginning in September 2016, Angela embarked on a "Bach Odyssey, performing the complete keyboard works of Bach in twelve recitals over four years. WHY SHOULD PEOPLE PLAY BACH? It gives you an incredible memory, because memorizing Bach is about the hardest thing you can do. It gives you discipline in your everyday life, I think, and clarity. And also a great sense of comfort and joy and appreciation of the beautiful. HOW IS DANCE A PART OF YOUR MUSIC? I started both ballet and piano at the age of three and I did ballet for 20 years. From my earliest years music and dance were inseparable. When it s formed so young, it doesn t leave you. ANGELAHEWITT.COM SEE THE ARTISTS PASSION PLAYED OUT BEFORE YOUR EYES WITNESS THE MASTERY OF BEING ONE ON STAGE SATURDAY FRIDAY SCHUMANN Blumenstück, Op. 19; Kreisleriana, Op. 16 JANACEK Leos: Sonata 1.X.1905 PROKOFIEV Visions Fugitives BELLINI/LISZT Réminiscences de Norma SCHUMANN Blumenstück, Op. 19; Kreisleriana, Op. 16 JANACEK Leos: Sonata 1.X.1905 PROKOFIEV Visions Fugitives BELLINI/LISZT Réminiscences de Norma BACH Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 Toccata in G Major, BWV 916 Toccata in F-sharp minor, BWV 910 Toccata in E minor, BWV 914 Toccata in D minor, BWV 913 Toccata in G minor, BWV 915 Toccata in D Major, BWV 912 Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 BACH English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806 English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 Suite in F minor, BWV 823 English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV PORTLANDPIANO.ORG 2018 / 2019 SEASON 9

6 COMMISSIONING PROJECT Since the fall of 2015, Portland Piano International has been presenting new works for solo piano through its Commissioning Project funded by a "Creative Heights" Grant from The Oregon Community Foundation. In fall 2018, the last of 12 compositions by Oregon composers will be performed. The composers work closely with Rising Stars who then premiere the works in free, interactive concerts in Portland and around the state. EDUCATION & OUTREACH Portland Piano International provides educational and outreach opportunities that share our passion for piano music. To complement our SOLO Piano Series, we present several initiatives that offer performance opportunities to the next generation of virtuosos, commission new works for solo piano by Oregon composers, inspire Oregon piano teachers to develop new teaching skills and greater passion for their craft, and engage a broad range of audiences and pianists in our community. After his SOLO performance, Yekwon Sunwoo signs programs for two young fans. THOLEN FELLOWS PROJECT Composer David Schiff (right) introduces his new composition, Six Songs without Words performed by Rising Star Vladislav Kosminov (left). Passionate and informed piano teachers are central to the future of piano performance and audience development! Through the Nellie Tholen Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation, Portland Piano International brings accomplished pianists to rural Oregon communities to work with teachers motivated to advance their skills. The Tholen Fellows Project encourages teachers to become educational leaders in their communities. Alexander Shtarkman works with a Tholen Fellow in Ontario, Oregon. Rising Star Sahun "Sam" Hong performs at Terwilliger Plaza. RISING STARS PROGRAM Portland Piano International champions up-and-coming pianists and brings piano music to communities around the state through our Rising Stars program. We present exceptionally talented artists who are on the cusp of professional careers. Each one-hour performance is designed to break down walls and invite people of all ages to learn about the music and interact directly with the pianist. PIANO DAY! On the 88th day of the year, Portland Piano International joins the worldwide celebration of the piano: Piano Day! On March 29, local pianists of all ages and abilities share their music while raising funds for our educational programs. In 2018, participants performed in six locations in the Portland Metro area: the atrium at City Hall, the 260-foot underground platform at the TriMet Washington Park MAX Station, the atrium at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, the lobby of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, the lobby of the OHSU Center for Health and Healing, and in the exhibit area at OMSI. Marianne Perrin performs at City Hall for Piano Day TOP LEFT: Rising Star Isata Kanneh-Mason performs for and talks with students at Rosa 10 PORTLANDPIANO.ORG Parks BRAVO Orchestra program / 2019 SEASON 11

7 FAST BECOMING THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE OF WORLD COMPETITION WINNERS 2014 RUBENSTEIN COMPETITION TEL AVIV, ISRAEL 2015 CHOPIN COMPETITION MIAMI, FLORIDA 2016 SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION THE NORTHWEST S P REMIER PIANO STORE BEYOND THE SCORE Portland Piano International invites you to experience a deeper understanding of playing the piano through our Beyond the Score master classes. In these one-on-one sessions, our recitalists share the insight gained from their own years of study with master teachers. Whether you are an advanced player, a novice or simply a music lover, join us for these FREE sessions. 12 PORTLANDPIANO.ORG Stores in Portland and Eugene ALL YOU NEED IS CURIOSITY AND A COUPLE OF HOURS TO PURSUE IT These intimate work sessions are integral to one of Portland Piano International s core values: music education. The sessions are free and offer an extraordinary opportunity to see and hear the interaction between teacher and student, each working to create a breakthrough to a new level of artistry for the student. You needn t be an expert, a teacher or student or even a pianist to enjoy and profit from Beyond the Score. TOP: Photos from a masterclass for intermediate students given by Rising Star Xiaohui Yang. PHOTOS JOHN RUDOFF PHOTO MAIWOLF STANISLAV IOUDENITCH JAN 27, 2019 SUN 10AM / Free Location TBA ANGELA HEWITT MAY 4, 2019 SAT 10AM / Free Flanagan Chapel, Lewis & Clark College Additional Beyond the Score masterclasses for intermediate students given by Rising Star pianists will be announced in late / 2019 SEASON 13

8 VENUE LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL 1620 SW Park Avenue at Market Street BENEFITS OF SUBSCRIBING EARLY ACCESS TO THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE / UP TO 26% OFF SINGLE TICKET PRICING / EASY EXCHANGES & $10 TICKET EXCHANGE FEE WAIVED HOW TO PURCHASE CALL OUR OFFICE / Monday through Thursday / 9AM 4PM PURCHASE ONLINE Visit portlandpiano.org SINGLE TICKETS: Single tickets are available starting August 1, Pricing: $55 keyboard view $45 non-keyboard view KEYBOARD VIEW NON-KEYBOARD VIEW PRESENTED BY PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL STAGE FULL SEASON All 12 performances: 2018: 10/6 & 7, 11/10 & 11, 12/1 & : 1/26 & 27, 3/16 & 17, 5/3 & 5 SATURDAYS 6 performances: 2018: 10/6, 11/10, 12/1 2019: 1/26, 3/16, 5/3 (note: Angela Hewitt performs Friday, May 3) S 6 performances: 2018: 10/7, 11/11, 12/2 2019: 1/27, 3/17, 5/5 $528 A 20% DISCOUNT OFF $288 A 12% DISCOUNT OFF $288 A 12% DISCOUNT OFF $396 A 26% DISCOUNT OFF $216 A 20% DISCOUNT OFF $216 A 20% DISCOUNT OFF 14 PORTLANDPIANO.ORG Keyboard View Non-Keyboard View Moveable Seating Dedicated to presenting excellence in piano performance and to educating and enriching our community through outreach. ESTABLISHED IN 1978 All performances are at 4pm in Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University. SUBSCRIPTION EXCHANGES & TICKET DONATIONS CALL OR TICKETS@PORTLANDPIANO.ORG Lincoln Hall performance tickets may be exchanged for future Lincoln Hall performance dates in the current season, pending seat availability. Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the performance. Exchanges will be available after July 31, We regret that ticket payments cannot be refunded. If you cannot use your ticket(s) for any reason, please contact us by phone or as soon as possible to donate your ticket(s) for resale! Portland Piano International is a 501 (c) 3 organization; a receipt will be mailed to you showing the value of your ticket(s). GENERAL POLICIES & SINGLE TICKET DISCOUNTS Repertoire, artists, prices and schedule are subject to change. Wheelchair and special access seating is available. Please call to make arrangements. A limited number of student tickets are available at the door, prior to the performance. Student ID required. Arts for All tickets are can be purchased at the door or by phone, subject to availability / 2019 SEASON 15

9 2018 / 2019 SEASON THE SOLO PIANO SERIES ISRAELI RUSSIAN-AMERICAN OLGA KERN SAT & SUN / OCT 6 & 7, 2018 / 4PM BORIS GILTBURG SAT & SUN / NOV 10 & 11, 2018 / 4PM HONG KONGESE UZBEK RACHEL CHEUNG SAT & SUN / DEC 1 & 2, 2018 / 4PM BEHZOD ABDURAIMOV AND STANISLAV IOUDENITCH SAT & SUN / JAN 26 & 27, 2019 / 4PM BRITISH BENJAMIN GROSVENOR SAT & SUN / MAR 16 & 17, 2019 / 4PM CANADIAN ANGELA HEWITT FRI / MAY 3, 2019 / 7:30PM SUN / MAY 5, 2019 / 4PM PORTLANDPIANO.ORG / / PO BOX 6469 PORTLAND OR 97228

10 PRESENTED BY PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL PO BOX 6469 PORTLAND, OR PORTLANDPIANO.ORG NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT / 2019 SEASON THE SOLO PIANO SERIES SUBSCRIBE NOW for best seats & up to 26% off single ticket pricing!