French Pianist Brings Gallic Flair And Wit To APO

French Pianist Brings Gallic Flair And Wit To APO In April

Ravel and Shostakovich - APN News & Media Premier Series Concert 3

Thursday 2 April, 8pm, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®

MARCH 24, 2009 – Award-winning young French pianist Cédric Tiberghien features with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in April.

Hailed as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from France in recent years, Cédric has his New Zealand debut performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G in the APO’s concert Ravel and Shostakovich on Thursday 2 April at 8pm at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE. This is the third concert in the APN News & Media Premier Series.

Cédric came to attention as a 17-year-old student at the Paris Conservatoire where he was awarded the Premier Prix in 1992. A string of major prizes followed, including first prize at the prestigious Long-Thibaud Competition in Paris. Now aged 34, he is forging a successful international career performing more than 150 engagements worldwide including seven visits to Japan, showcase appearances throughout Europe and already with 12 albums to his name.

“There was lightness and grandeur, seriousness and fun, powerful momentum and meditative restraint. Tiberghien knew exactly what he wanted to say about the music and did so with a blend of boldness, reasoning and inspiration.” – The Daily Telegraph (London, UK)

“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured Cédric as a soloist. Ravel’s concerto, with its astonishing piano part, is perfect to highlight his superb talent,” says APO chief executive Barbara Glaser.

The concert, conducted by maestro Stefan Lano, also features the world premiere of New Zealand composer Karlo Margetic’s work Ouroboros, written as part of his residency as APO’s Young Composer in Residence in 2008.

Completing the concert will be Shostakovich’s extraordinary fifth symphony. Subtitled ‘A Soviet Artist’s Response to Justified Criticism’, the enigmatic piece saved Shostakovich from the great terror of the 1930’s by pleasing Party officials with its tunefulness and optimism, while bringing his audience to tears of jubilation for its open sympathy and daring satire.

The APO performs Ravel and Shostakovich on Thursday 2 April at 8pm at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®. Tickets are available from THE EDGE®, Ph 0800 BUYTICKETS (289 842) or www.buytickets.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media