He is a pianist we could listen to forever; a star on the global scale whose performances are always major artistic events – Kraków will not be an exception.
“I am delighted that after months of preparations we will soon be welcoming Piotr Anderszewski to Kraków – and that an artist of his calibre performs alongside Sinfonietta Cracovia as part of the cycle Stars with Sinfonietta and under the auspices of the cycle ICE Classic,” says Jurek Dybał, director of the orchestra and originator of the concert. His sentiments are echoed by Izabela Helbin, director of the Krakow Festival Office, co-organiser of the concert and operator of ICE Kraków. She stresses the role of our city as the host of such prestigious events: “Piotr Anderszewski has been performing with the best orchestras at the finest music theatres and concert halls around the globe for many years. And the Auditorium of the ICE Kraków Congress Centre can certainly be counted among such venues.”
The BBC Music Magazine has described Anderszewski as an “ideal man”. The artist with Polish and Hungarian roots is undoubtedly one of the best pianists of our era. He captivates audiences with his technique, stylistic elegance and sparseness of expression. His interpretations reveal a deep understanding of each composer’s vision as well as his own daring imagination. He stays clear of clichés and stereotypes – just listen to his Chopin! And, perhaps most importantly, Anderszewski only plays music by composers he fully believes in: Bach, Schumann, Szymanowski, Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart.
We will hear compositions by the latter two on 29 November at ICE Kraków. The programme features two piano concertos – Mozart’s in G major K. 435 and Haydn’s in D major Hob. XVIII:11 – with Anderszewski appearing in the highly difficult double role of soloist and conductor, commonly practiced in the 18th century. We will also hear opera overtures from Haydn’s Armida and Mozart’s Apollo and Hyacinth, performed by Sinfonietta Cracovia under the baton of the ensemble’s concertmaster Maciej Lulek.
Inspired pianist, outstanding orchestra and Viennese classicists – what more could we wish for? (Barbara Skowrońska)
Piotr Anderszewski (piano)
Sinfonietta Cracovia
- J. Haydn Armida (overture)
- J. Haydn Piano Concerto in D major Hob. XVIII:11
- W.A. Mozart Apollo and Hyacinth (overture)
- W.A. Mozart Piano Concerto in G major nr 17 KV 453
