The 8th annual San Francisco International piano Festival concludes with a celebration of Maurice Ravel’s Basque heritage and inimitable mastery of Spanish musical color. Born to a Swiss father and Basque mother, Ravel thought of himself as more Basque than French, though he spent his entire life in France. Throughout his musical career, he championed folk and popular music from various traditions, and his music in Spanish style forms a significant part of his output. The festival finale highlights some of his most dazzling and colorful works including his Rhapsodie Espagnole, Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, and the opening movement of his Trio (1911) which represents perhaps the most quintessential Basque music we know from Ravel. The program also includes music in the Spanish style by his contemporaries and predecessors such as Chabrier’s España, Debussy’s La Puerto del vino, and Granados’ Quejas, ó la maja y el ruiseñor (Lament, or the Maiden and the Nightingale).
Festival favorite Paul Sánchez returns to bring his unique understanding and flare for this repertoire. He will be joined by world class baritone Simon Barrad in song and the phenomenal Asiya Korepanova in the 2-piano repertoire. The festival is proud to welcome back our wonderful young artists in the Aveta Trio, including McKee laureate Sarah Yuan. Don’t miss this spectacular finale which is guaranteed to conclude your summer with some fireworks!