Andsnes to perform Brahms in NYC
Backed by the renowned New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Riccardo Muti, Norway’s brightest star in classical music, pianist Leif Ove Andsnes will play four concerts performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 from January 17 to 19.
Brahms himself has been quoted describing the concerto as “a tiny, tiny pianoforte concerto, with a tiny, tiny wisp of a scherzo,” while others again has noted on how it is “monstrously challenging to perform and demands not only interpretive power, but just plain stamina.” The Times in London claims “Andsnes would be a dazzling pianist even if forced to play Chopsticks” and thus the concerto should be in safe hands.
Andsnes is a prolific pianist, constantly performing with major orchestras all over the world. He is coming off a major exploration of Edvard Grieg following the 2007 centennial celebration of the composer which culminated in him performing Grieg’s Ballade in G Minor on a cliff overlooking the iconic landscape of the Hardanger Fjord.
Andsnes is the most famous living Norwegian performer of classical music, and has played at such venues as Carnegie Hall, London Proms, and with the Bavarian Symphony Orchestra. He is also the co-director of the Norwegian Risør Chamber Music Festival.
Of conductor Riccardo Muti The Financial Times has said he "stands out as one of those rare conductors who can make an orchestra surpass itself.”
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