Events

Robert Schumann (arr. Liszt) Widmung

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Sonata no.10 in C major, K.330

Jacques Allen A Plum’s Haiku (Oxford-Japan Prize for Composition 2026 winner – UK Premiere)

Fryderyk Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, op.53 ‘Heroic’

Interval

Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K.380

Franz Schubert Impromptu no.3 in B-flat major, op. 142, D.935

Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Busoni) Chaconne from Violin Partita no.2 in D minor, BWV 1004

Japanese pianist Yuko Sano gave her first international recital in Salzburg at the age of 8 and has since performed at major venues across Europe, South America and Asia. In April 2026, she made her recital debut at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, with the programme that she gives tonight.

It is a lovely programme: sunny Mozart, sparkling Scarlatti, Chopin strutting proudly, Schubert’s Theme and Variations, and the excitement of the UK premiere of Jacques Allen’s prize-winning composition.

Framing all this, are arrangements of works originally composed for other instruments. Widmung (Dedication) is a love song from a collection that Robert Schumann presented to Clara on the eve of their long-delayed marriage. The Chaconne, on the other hand, started life as a partita for solo violin. Ferruccio Busoni took just the final movement and transformed it into a dramatic and dignified stand-alone piece for solo piano. A splendid end to this concert.

Watch Yuko Sano performing Liszt: ‘La Campanella’