Solo Recital by Yuja Wang
Caution! Live explosives! This is a warning that rarely comes to mind when listening to musical productions. Those familiar with the work of the world-famous New York-based Chinese pianist, however, might remember that the keyboard sometimes literally sizzles under Yuja Wang's fingertips. Her playing is so tight, energetic and bravura in technique, and exudes so much energy, that no one can escape its impact. The opportunity to welcome her to a solo recital on this visit is an exceptional occasion, a red-letter day for fans of the black and white keyboard.
Born in Beijing, Yuja Wang started playing the piano at the age of six. After first completing her studies at her hometown conservatory, she later, like so many other extraordinary talents, found doors opening for her everywhere. One was the chance to continue her training at the famous Curtis Institute in Philadelphia from the age of 15, as a student of the legendary Gary Graffman. While Graffman's name speaks quite a lot for itself, the fact that his own teachers included Rudolf Serkin and Vladimir Horowitz make it clear what traditions were being passed on to her. In the decades since, the pianist has conquered the world, becoming at the same time a true citizen of it, performing in the greatest concert halls and at the most famous festivals, alongside conductors like Abbado, Maazel, Mehta and Dudamel. Zoltán Kocsis also invited her to Budapest several times as a soloist, a relationship that resulted in Bartók's piano concertos being added to Wang's repertoire. She has spoken of the Hungarian pianist-conductor, who died in 2016, with the greatest respect, stating, "Kocsis is a genius.” On her records, she performs works by the Classicists, Romantics and 20th-century masters, from Schubert, Brahms and Mendelssohn to Ravel, Scriabin and Prokofiev, with singular perfection. Her openness and stylistic adaptability are seemingly boundless. This is something we will also experience at her solo recital in Budapest, where she will convey the thoughts of three radically different composers: Scarlatti, Beethoven and Shostakovich.
Presented by: Müpa Budapest
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