Learn more about each afternoon’s recital program at our pre-concert talks. Each talk takes place at 2:15pm in the Chan Centre’s Royal Bank Cinema.
Those who witnessed the astonishing Vancouver debut of (then) 16-year-old pianist George Li in 2011 will know what to expect. This extraordinary young musician has since gone on to win the Silver Medal at the XV International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition and a coveted Avery Fisher Career Development Grant. George possesses brilliant virtuosity and effortless grace far beyond his years. In addition to a busy concert career he is also a student at Harvard University.
HAYDN: Sonata in B minor, Hob. XVI:32, L. 47
CHOPIN: Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35
RACHMANINOV: Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42
LISZT: Consolation No. 3 in D-flat major, S.172
LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, S.244/2
“Mr. Li’s playing combined youthful abandon with utter command.” — The New York Times
Concert sponsor: The John C. Kerr Family Foundation
In Association With:
Chinese pianist Zhang Zuo (Zee Zee) is internationally recognized for her imaginative and electrifying performances. Possessing dazzling technical prowess and spontaneous flair, her creative maturity has been hailed as “a powerful, passionate and compelling representation of pure artistry” (L.A. Times). A protégé of Alfred Brendel, Zee Zee is a former BBC New Generation Young Artist. Her powerfully individual interpretations make each concert a unique musical experience. Don’t miss this Canadian debut!
BEETHOVEN: Variations in C minor, WoO 80
SCHUBERT: Sonata in C minor, D. 958
GRANADOS: Goyesca No. 1 ‘Los Requiebros’
LISZT: Vallee D’obermann
LISZT: Rhapsodie Espagnole
“Zhang Zuo is the one of the most outstanding and passionate pianistic talents I have come across” — Maestro Paavo Järvi
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert sponsor: Joyce & Tony
Supported by:
On June 10, 2017, Yekwon Sunwoo was announced as the Gold Medalist at the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. In its 55-year history, the quadrennial Cliburn has identified and ushered a host of exceptional artists to international prominence, including Barry Douglas, Olga Kern, Radu Lupu, Jon Nakamatsu, and Cristina Ortiz.
28-year-old Yekwon, from Anyang, South Korea, gave his recital and orchestral debuts in 2004 in Seoul, before moving to the United States to earn his bachelor’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music and his master’s at The Juilliard School. Career highlights include performances with the Juilliard Orchestra under Itzhak Perlman at Avery Fisher Hall, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop, and the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as recitals at Carnegie Hall, Hamarikyu Asahi Hall in Tokyo, Wigmore Hall in London, and Kumho Art Hall in Seoul. Yekwon has already graced the VRS stage; he performed with violinist Benjamin Beilman at the Vancouver Playhouse in the 2016-17 Season.
SCHUBERT: Sonata in C minor D. 958
GRAINGER: “Ramble on the last Love-duet” from Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier
RACHMANINOV: Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor Op. 36 (1931 Edition)
RAVEL: La Valse
“One of the world’s highest-visibility classical music contests” — The Dallas Morning News
“Technical brilliance set off by artistic sensitivity.” — Washington Post
Concert Sponsor: Anonymous
In Association With:
The Verona Quartet was the winner of the 2015 Concert Artists Guild Competition, and in just three years, has earned a stellar reputation for delivering a “sensational, powerhouse performance” (Classical Voice America) every time they take the stage. Musical America selected the group as “New Artists of the Month” for May 2016, further setting the Verona Quartet apart as one of the most compelling young quartets in chamber music.
The quartet has performed across four continents in venues such as Wigmore Hall, Izumi Hall, the Melbourne Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. They have also appeared on National Public Radio, The Weekly Special on PBS, and Abu Dhabi Classical FM.
HAYDN: String Quartet in B flat major, Op. 50, No. 1
SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No. 7 in F sharp minor, Op. 108
RAVEL: String Quartet in F major
“Outstanding ensemble of young musicians” — The New York Times
The Verona Quartet replaces the previously scheduled Simón Bolívar String Quartet.
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Supported by:
