Events

We are very grateful to Professor Nick Couldry for his generous sponsorship of this concert.

Beethoven Piano Sonata no.29, op.106 in B-flat major ‘Hammerklavier’
Interval
Lyatoshinsky Three Preludes, op.38
Liszt 6 Paganini Etudes original version (Études d’exécution transcendante d’après Paganini, S.140)

Gold medallist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition 2013, Ukraine-born pianist Vadym Kholodenko is sought after by major halls across Europe, North America and Asia. This summer, he made his debut at BBC Proms, performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto no.2.

Vadym starts straight in with Beethoven’s mighty Hammerklavier sonata, its opening statement of fortissimo chords a challenge to the audience to sit up and pay attention. The longest of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, it is also one of the most unconventional.

Violinist Niccolò Paganini enjoyed superstar status, crowds flocking to witness his dazzling performances. When Liszt heard him he was captivated, and set about piano transcriptions of some of the pieces. Published as 6 Paganini Etudes, the work failed to take off – it was just too difficult to play – and Liszt was persuaded to revise it. This version, S.141, is the one normally performed in concert halls today – but not tonight. Vadym Kholodenko is giving us the full pianistic pyrotechnics of the original.

Vadym is an old friend from SJE Arts, and we have come to expect much of him. Tonight’s concert promises to be truly exceptional.

Our thanks to St John’s College for their hospitality and support for the International Piano Series