Music

Ivo Pogorelich, a pianist who has been described as a “poet of the instrument”, will give a piano recital in December. The concert is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s “Great Music” series.

Renowned pianist Martha Argerich declared Ivo Pogorelich a genius for his unsurpassed skill and esoteric insights at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. His unusual approach to music has since created a sensation, with the New York Times noting that Pogorelich “galvanised the concert world with his technically astounding, deeply personal and unabashedly eccentric playing”.

The pianist continues to perform on stages around the world and, as his reputation has grown, Pogorelich has contributed to communities by setting up foundations for musical and humanitarian causes. He is also one of the most frequently recorded pianists, having an extensive catalogue of repertoire ranging from baroque works to 20th century pieces.

This rare chance to see the legendary Pogorelich in action in Hong Kong will begin with two grand romantic fantasies, Liszt’s “Dante Sonata”, depicting tortures in hell and joys in heaven, and Schumann’s “Fantasie in C”, filled with lyricism and tenderness. The equally demanding second half consists of the ballet scenes of Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” turned into works of piano bravura, and Brahms’ Paganini variations, turning the most famous melody into a full-fledged symphony for piano.