The SunBreak » piano

Byron Schenkman & Friends Offer a Fascinating Glimpse Into Beethoven’s Early Years

Dana Wen — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 10:00:35 +0000

On Sunday evening, pianist and harpsichordist Byron Schenkman cut the ribbon on a brand-new chamber music series with a performance of three sparkling piano quartets by Beethoven, written when the composer was only fourteen.

Italy Lends a Hand for “Mostly Nordic” Celebration of Norwegian Chamber Music

Philippa Kiraly — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:37:12 +0000

This concert nearly didn’t happen as one of the pianists became sick recently and couldn’t travel, but Norway’s Inger-Kristine Riber made herculean efforts and found a colleague, Italy’s Alessandra Giorgia Brustia, able to join her both for practice time and to come to the U.S for a mini-tour.

A Piano Recital For the 21st Century With Cristina Valdes

Dana Wen — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:30:34 +0000

As in any typical piano recital, technical virtuosity and emotional expression were certainly on display. However, this concert showcased a wider spectrum of Valdes' talents as a performer, sending the pianist on a tour of her instrument -- reaching inside the case to pluck the strings, creating sheets of sound by slamming her forearm on the keys, and playing alongside pre-recorded piano sounds.

Pianist Christopher O’Riley Performs Radiohead and Nirvana

Dana Wen — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:45:43 +0000

Classical pianist and Radiohead fanatic Christopher O'Riley kicked off his Seattle visit with a concert of rock hits, all arranged for solo piano by O'Riley himself.

Pianist Hélène Grimaud’s Dramatic Return to UW’s Meany Hall

Dana Wen — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 01:41:57 +0000

French-born pianist Hélène Grimaud returned to Seattle last Thursday for a solo performance at the University of Washington. Her thrilling recital featured works by Mozart, Berg, Bartók, and Liszt.

At UW President’s Piano Series, Angela Hewitt Brings Sexy Bach

Philippa Kiraly — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:55:08 +0000

In each generation there seems to rise one person who is a towering figure at performing and interpreting Bach on the piano. In the 1980s, it was Andras Schiff. Today it is Angela Hewitt, who brought her artistry and insight to the UW President’s Piano Series Tuesday night at Meany Hall.