Stars with Sinfonietta: Katia & Marielle Labèque

“When we are on stage, we can’t see each other very well, but we breathe in unison,” claim the sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque. The French musicians, hailed as one of the world’s best piano duos, perform at ICE Kraków on 1 October as part of the cycle Stars with Sinfonietta. They have been working together since their time at the Paris conservatory. Their repertoire covers almost all genres, from Mariella’s beloved Baroque, their exceptional interpretations of Mozart, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue adapted for four hands and gaining them international acclaim, and works by Berio, Boulez, Ligeti and Glass composed especially for the duo (contemporary music is Katia’s passion). The evening at ICE Kraków is dedicated to French music. We will hear Ravel’s Mother Goose suite for two pianos, and Poulenc’s captivating Concerto in D minor. The evening also includes Sinfonietta Cracovia performing Ravel’s suite Le Tombeau de Couperin (in the composer’s orchestration) and Bizet’s Symphony in C major. (Barbara Skowrońska)