Two Star Pianists for ‘Amici della Musica’s’ Finale

Angela Hewitt

Since 1920, the stunning Teatro della Pergola hosts “Amici” chamber music concerts by the finest international music artists. The Odyssey Bach cycle continues this month as we close out Spring with a grand finale featuring virtuoso pianists Angela Hewitt (April 9) and Grigory Sokolov (April 10).

Famous worldwide for her knowledge and expertise of Bach’s compositions, Ottawa born musician Angela Hewitt is a piano prodigy who won her first scholarship at the age of five for her undeniable abilities. Hewitt, who has won Artist of the Year at the 2006 Gramophone Awards, has been called the best Bach player of our time and just recently was honored in the Gramophone Hall of Fame 2015.  She has committed her time to touring around the world, and divides her time between London, her hometown of Ottawa, and her beloved home on Lake Trasimeno.

Hewitt will begin the evening with Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B flat major BWV 825 and Partita No. 2 in C minor BWV 826 (known for being his most technically demanding suites) followed by Sonata in D minor BWV 964. The night will conclude with Partita No. 4 in D major BWV 828.

Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov concludes this year’s “Amici” cycle, with a solo performance that brings Mozart and Beethoven’s music to one stage. Sokolov’s vibrant and technical playing style is typical of the Russian schools from where he studied. This prodigy came to the limelight after winning the first prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at just 16 years old. Since then, he has been known for his ease and brilliance at the keyboard, and dedicates his time to live piano recitals.

A fiery Mozart interpretation will open the duel, with Sokolov wielding the Sonata in C major K545; Fantasia in C minor K475; and Sonata in C minor K457. Beethoven will answer with the Sonata in B minor Op. 90 No. 27 and Sonata in C minor Op. 111 32. Sokolov is renowned for his extensive repertoire, with these two grandfathers of chamber music well established in his practice.

Tickets are available at Teatro della Pergola (Via della Pergola 24), Box Office (via delle Vecchie Carcieri 1) and Circuit Regional Box Office, and Disks Phoenix (via Santa Reparata 8).  For more information, visit Amici della Musica’s web site.(carson cecil & tessa lucia debole)