The 9th annual San Francisco International Piano Festival is proud to present its opening night concert at Old First Concerts, continuing the festival’s long-standing partnership with the series. As the season celebrates a kaleidoscope of international voices, the festival opens with Samuel Barber’s Souvenirs, a charming and sparkling suite of dances reflective of different musical traditions. Derek Bermel’s Turning presents a profound postcard in variation form, written after the composer’s studies in Ghana. Beginning with a simple hymn tune, the work explores an eclectic palette of musical styles in dramatic fashion. The music of Liszt is featured throughout the evening, a master musical storyteller who exploits the full tonal and technical possibilities of the piano.
This program features the San Francisco debut of renowned pianist Éva Polgár in solo works by Liszt and in duo works with festival founder and artistic director Jeffrey LaDeur. Ms. Polgár maintains an active and international performance schedule along with her dedication to mentoring the next generation of musicians. Her performances have been heard at Carnegie Hall, the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, and at prominent venues throughout the United States and her native Hungary. Don’t miss this varied and exciting evening of classics and rare gems!
The San Francisco International Piano Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Ross McKee Foundation.