Bruce Liu Piano
Kazuka Yamada Conductor
PROGRAM
WALTON Portsmouth Point. Overture for orchestra
TSCHAIKOWSKY Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor op. 23
MUSSORGSKY "Pictures at an Exhibition" (version for orchestra by Maurice Ravel)
Since his sensational victory at the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition 2021 in Warsaw, Bruce Liu has been one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. With technical flawlessness, youthful freshness and electrifying energy, he impresses on the world's great stages. His playing - "of breathtaking beauty", as the BBC Music Magazine raves - combines poetic depth with virtuoso brilliance. "Poetry and virtuosity in wonderful balance", was the Daily Telegraph's verdict on his playing. Bruce Liu was born in Paris and grew up in Canada, but it is not least his Asian roots that have shaped him - a cultural diversity that is reflected in his musical expressiveness: European sophistication meets North American dynamism and openness as well as the long tradition of Chinese culture. "Liu has the rare ability to bring different voices out of the piano" (The Telegram).
At Pro Arte, the shooting star will perform Tchaikovsky's monumental Piano Concerto No. 1 together with the renowned British orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of its chief conductor Kazuki Yamada - a work full of pathos, brilliance and emotional power. Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" in the colorful orchestral version by Maurice Ravel is another powerful masterpiece on the program. Yamada has followed in the footsteps of great predecessors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Andris Nelsons and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and his sensitive musical approach makes him a sought-after conductor. Under his direction, the traditional orchestra unfolds its characteristically colorful sound - full of energy, depth and orchestral radiance. A musical highlight of the season.