It is wonderful to note that this year, John’s 100th, was with a record of recitals worldwide of young artists selected by the Keyboard Trust, all receiving ecstatic praise and just recognition. John’s legacy will live on from a life extraordinarily well lived with his adored Noretta always by his side. The season had begun with the Italian tour that John and Noretta had organised many years ago in Venice,Padua,Abano and Vicenza and is now flourishing with stars such as Nikita Lukinov, a pianist whom Noretta admires enormously and who played for John and Noretta at their home last summer.
The year had finished on 14th December in the historic Laeiszhalle in Hamburg with a recital by the quite extraordinary Magdalene Ho (Weir Award holder), winner last year at the age of 19, of the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Vevey. A few months later she also won the Chappell Gold Medal, the most prestigious accolade of the RCM. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/02/17/hats-off-the-chappell-gold-medal-has-uncovered-a-genius/
Just a few weeks before Moritz von Bredow (KT Trustee and Concert Manager in Germany) had organised a tour in Germany for Giovanni Bertolazzi with three concerts in Hamburg (New Living Home, Augustinum and Bechstein Centre) and one in the Bechstein Centre in Cologne. A report on these concerts will follow shortly but this was Giovanni opening the season at the Maggio Musicale in Florence last September:
An amazing success in Germany and a recording of the encore of the concert in Hamburg on the 2Ist was relayed to John in hospital who passed away peacefully on St.Cecilia’s day, the patron saint of music.
A gift of music indeed and what a poetic ending to a beautiful, selfless life.
This is just a personal view and there are many concerts that time and space could not accommodate here, but many others can be found on my music commentary website: christopheraxworthymusic commentary.com.
Pip Rolfe, Music Director at the Erin Arts Centre on the Isle of Man writes: ‘A huge thank you to Nikita Lukinov for an incredible recital on Saturday evening, plus a fascinating masterclass in the morning which introduced the audience to his programme and particularly to his favourite composer Mussorgsky. We’re glad the weather finally let you get home!’
In the meantime, Filip Michalak had been playing in our series in the Harold Acton Library in Florence and at the Tuscia University in Viterbo
Nicolò Giuliano Tuccia had given the first of the six debut recitals that we hold at Steinway Hall in London thanks to the generosity of Wiebke Greinus and Craig Terry. Giuliano is from Forlì in Italy where Guido Agosti (Leslie’s and my mentor) was born.
https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/01/03/forli-pays-homage-to-guido-agosti/
Giuliano has created a music festival dedicated to Forlì’s illustrious but much neglected citizen, Guido Agosti. It was nice to see Agosti united with his wife in the cemetery there. Lydia Stix Agosti died ten years after her beloved husband whom she had married late but brought much excitement into a life spent almost exclusively at the keyboard.
I had met my own wife, Ileana Ghione, in Siena thanks to her course of teaching actors how to use their diaphragm ( replaced by microphones these days much to the exasperation of lovers of real theatre!) .https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/02/08/diamonds-are-forever-at-steinways-giuliano-tuccia-for-the-keyboard-trust/
Our annual series in Haslemere for Stephen Dennison’s HHH series saw Damir Durmanovic (21st February ), Gabrielé Sutkuté (22nd) and Victor Braojos (23rd) give three lunchtime concerts. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/02/24/youth-and-music-a-winning-combination-in-haslemere-for-stephen-dennisons-hhh-concert-series/
Magdalene Ho played in our series of complementary concerts in Florence (27/2 ) and Milan ( 29/2). Magdalene, still only 20, was formed by Patsy Toh, the widow of Fou Ts’ong who passed away during the covid pandemic. Magdalene is currently studying with Dmitri Alexeev at the RCM.
Ts’ong used to play and give masterclasses every year in my Euromusica series in Rome. Patsy used to thank me for being so faithful, but it is we who should be grateful to have known a genius who has touched so many people’s lives, above all Patsy’s! Magdalene is the living proof of the energy people emanate during their lives and remains long after they are no longer on this earth.
My wife used to have long discussions with Stockhausen about this when he directed his music many times for us in Rome. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/02/28/magdalene-ho-in-florence-and-milan-the-exquisite-finesse-and-noble-style-of-a-musical-genius/
In March, Pedro Lopez Salas gave a recital in our prestigious series at the National Liberal Club thanks to the generosity of the Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation and Yisha Xue’s NLC Asia Circle
On 13th March there were two concerts on the same day. The first at Temple Church with an organ recital by Godfrey Leung and the second at Steinway Hall with the eclectic Mikhail Bouzine.
Power and Drama from Temple Organ Godfrey Leung for the Keyboard Trust by Angela Ransley
On 16th March, Ivelina Krasteva gave a masterclass and concert in our series at the Erin Arts Centre on the Isle of Man
A highly successful German tour with Gabrielé Sutkuté took place from the 9th to the 12th April in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Rheda Wiedenbrück.
Giulia Contaldo gave a recital on 15th April at the National Liberal Club supported by the Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation and the NLC Asia Circle.
Giulia Contaldo at the National Liberal Club ‘Mind and heart at the service of the music ‘
Mark Viner gave one of several recitals in Bedford Park. Mark, a tireless promoter of the much-neglected world of Alkan, Blumenthal, Chaminade and many others, has a string of CDs to his name (at least 10 at the last count), all received with rapturous reviews by the critics.
Mark playing on Perlemuter’s piano in Joan Flockhart Booth’s house in Markham Square https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2023/12/05/ileana-and-joan-3rd-december-2023/
Sherri Lun played in the third in our series at Steinway Hall in London and she also visited John and Noretta together with Elias Ackerley (Weir Award holder). Both played to them at n.8 much to the delight of our founders, and are promoted by the Keyboard Trust.
Elias Ackerley gave six highly acclaimed recitals in the USA in October 2024, as part of the KT’s annual US Tour. Venues included Lorin and Dietlinde Maazel’s private theatre in Castleton,Virginia, the Arts Club of Washington, Klavierhaus in New York and several venues in Philadelphia and Delaware.
Sherri Lun playing in our Rising Star Series in collaboration with Warren Mailley-Smith’s City Music Promotions at St Mary Le Strand in London.
On 25th April another concert in our collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy at the Brazil ( ex Cunard) Hall in Trafalgar Square.
A Celebration of ALMEIDA PRADO The Embassy of Brazil in collaboration with the Keyboard Trust
Andrea Molteni gave a recital on 7th May in Florence at the Harold Acton Library at the British Institute
Andrea Molteni in Florence – A live wire of Mastery and Poetic sensibility.
The fourth in our series of debut recitals at Steinways was with the brilliant Israeli pianist Tom Zalmanov, currently studying with Ian Fountain at the RAM .
We were very pleased to see his mentor Murray Perahia present with Lady Weidenfeld and his current teacher at the RAM, Ian Fountain (the only British winner of the Rubinstein Competition who tied with another British pianist – Benjamin Frith – in 1989)
Tom Zalmanov at Steinway Hall for the Keyboard Trust
In May, both Misha Kaploukhii and Magdalene Ho were invited to play at La Mortella on Ischia for the Walton Foundation. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/05/05/misha-kaploukhii-mastery-and-clarity-in-waltons-paradise-where-dreams-become-reality/ https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/05/12/magdalene-ho-a-musical-genius-in-paradise/
The KT is delighted to be able to showcase some of its top artists in the ‘Music al British’ Series, at the British Institute in Florence, managed by Director, Simon Gammell. Past performers have included four Busoni Competition winners.
Sasha Grynyuk, an emeritus KT artist, performed at the Institute for Sir David Scholey in Florence and at Steinway in Milan, managed by new Manager, Maura Romano, in May.
An enthusiastic and much loved supporter of ‘Music al British’ as exemplified by the series the KT have been invited to offer including four of the past Busoni winners.
Sasha Grynyuk in Milan and Florence Mastery and musicianship combine with poetic sensibility and intelligence
For several years, we have been very happy to be part of ‘Proms at St Jude’s’ in Hampstead Garden Suburb. This year George Todica was chosen to play on the 25th June to a very enthusiastic full house.
George Todica at St Judes Prom ‘A star is born of eloquence and masterly communication’
Victor Maslov played for Peter Barritt’s series at St Alkmund’s in Shrewsbury on the 25th June.
In July, Victor Maslov was invited to play in the prestigious Michelangeli Festival in Rabbi in Italy. The festival, held every year in the north of Italy, was particularly loved by the great Italian pianist whose Assistant for over fifteen years was our Founder, Noretta Conci Leech who also lives in that area.
Stefan Biosa writes: ‘14th edition of the International Festival“Omaggio all’Arte pianistica di Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli”. As has been the tradition since the first edition (2012, recital of Vitaly Pisarenko) also this year we plan to invite various artists from the Keyboard Trust, both young and very young (2024 Edition): Lilit Grigoryan, Victor Maslov, Alexander Ullman, Vitaly Pisarenko, Emanuil Ivanov, Gala Chistiakova, Evelyne Berezovsky, Chloe Mun and Arsenii Mun.’
Victor Maslov was invited to play at the Wingham Festival in Kent on 4th August ( via an introduction by Sir Geoffrey Nice, Trustee and founder member of the KT). Ben Bevan, Festival Director, commented: ‘Victor was a sensation. People were openly weeping during his concert. A true Tour de Force.’
Nicholas Fairbank writes :’It was a privilege to listen to the talented Victor Maslov perform at the Wingham International Concert Series this afternoon. His musicality shone through as he displayed total mastery of some of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s most ambitious works – a selection of the Études-Tableaux (Op. 33 and 39) and the colossal Piano Sonata no. 1 (Op.28). The Études-Tableaux, or ‘study pictures’, are tone poems for the piano that present a range of rhythmical and harmonic progressions whilst haunting melodic lines pass between the voices, often within full chord structures as is characteristic of Rachmaninoff. Composed as individual studies, there is a flow to the two suites which seems quite natural in Maslov’s hands. Asymmetrical rhythms abound – from the outset with Op. 33 no. 1 and present throughout the works. I particularly enjoyed the percussive accelerando of Op. 39 no 9 leading up to its formidable presto, all balanced by delicate, almost ethereal, melodies, for example in Op. 33 nos. 2 and 7. ‘Mere’ virtuosic technique is only the minimum prerequisite for a successful performance of these miniature musical masterpieces. Maslov presented a masterclass.By contrast, Piano Sonata no. 1 is a mountain of a piece. At some 35 minutes it demands much of the performer both physically and mentally. After the scene-setting allegro moderato first movement, particularly enchanting was Maslov’s interpretation of the tuneful slow movement, the calm before the storm of the final movement which was a veritable tour de force.Maslov dedicated his closing words to the memory of his pianist colleague Pavel Kushnir who died of starvation just two weeks ago in a Russian prison. His ‘crime’? Daring to speak out against the war in Ukraine. A most moving epilogue to] an outstanding afternoon of music.’ Nicholas Fairbank
4th August 2024.
Arsenii Mun, the charismatic winner of the Busoni Competition and prestigious Michelangeli Award, played for us at Steinway Hall in London on the 26th June.
Gabrielé Sutkuté was invited to play at the Deal Festival on the 5th July. Here are the programme notes I was very happy to prepare for this very fine young artist: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/05/01/programme-notes-for-deal-gabriele-sutkute/
On 9th July, Milda Daunoraite (another Lithuanian pianist) was invited to play at the En Blanc et Noir Festival at Lagrasse in France. Milda writes: ‘I think it went well! Everyone seemed very positive, some said it was the best concert for them out of the whole festival, and someone said they weren’t a fan of Liszt and I have almost changed their mind.
I felt very relaxed and confident performing yesterday and I hope I can go back sometime to such a charming little village! The people there are living the dream! And all so kind and generous.’ This is what I wrote about her a little while before: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/05/28/milda-daunoraite-at-st-marys-a-joyous-journey-of-beauty-and-poetry/
Timothy Stewart gave our annual organ recital at Westminster Abbey on 14th July.
Timothy Stewart a 20 year old master organist triumphs at Westminster Abbey A review by Angela Ransley :’HIGH ROMANTICISM AND THE UNSEEN MASTER’
Noretta and John’s beloved Leslie Howard gave his annual recital at Wigmore Hall and, despite health problems, gave the recital of his life with a typically eclectic programme of forgotten masterpieces from the Russian repertoire.
On 10th August, Avinoam Shalev gave a harpsichord recital at St. Cecilia’s Hall in Edinburgh .
On 17th August, Nikita Lukinov played at Lyddington in Rutland
Nikita is currently touring Scotland, a tour that he has arranged himself, bringing music to areas often with little ‘live’ music. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/?p=33516
Nikita also gave a recital on 25th November in the historic Armourers’ Livery Hall. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/11/27/nikita-lukinov-a-knight-amongst-the-armour-shining-brightly/
On 23rd and 24th August, Zala and Val Kravos, and Ellis Thomas, gave concerts both late at night in the open air and in the Orangerie for the French Festival ‘Un Piano sous les Arbres’ at Lunel-Viel near Montpellier.
On 1st September, Kyle Hutchings played at St Michael and All Angels in Adbaston, Staffordshire – and was then on tour in Italy on Ischia, in Florence and Milan. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/09/11/kyle-hutchings-a-poetic-troubadour-of-the-piano-reveals-the-heart-of-mozartschubert-and-franck-the-keyboard-trust-concert-tour-of-adbaston-ischiaflorence-and-milan/
On 16th September Mihai Ritivoiu, a KT emeritus, played in the magnificent cultural oasis that is the Fidelio Café in London. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/09/17/mihai-ritivoiu-at-fidelio-the-poet-speaks-in-an-oasis-of-elegance-and-eloquence/
On 28th September, Neo Hung, winner of the Liszt Competition UK, gave a masterclass and concert for the Erin Arts Centre on the Isle of Man.
‘What a lovely, easy-going young man and such a fantastic pianist. The masterclass was detailed and informative and the recital was absolute dynamite. Everybody was fully engaged throughout the show and all shook his hand afterwards (there were about 60 of them!) and thanked him for coming. Once again thank you to you and the Keyboard Trust for finding ANOTHER exceptional young talent; we’re really happy to help give them a foothold’ – Pip Rolfe, Erin Arts Centre.
And from Neo: ‘I had a most unforgettable experience performing at the wonderful Erin Arts Centre on Isle of Man on 28th September 2024 in addition to presenting my first ever masterclass! First and foremost, I would like to thank the artistic directors of the Keyboard Trust for offering me this unique opportunity which has increased my exposure to a wider audience. I had a most unforgettable time performing for such an enthusiastic and warm audience who reacted positively as I shook hands with one by one post-concert. Thank you to everyone who has come to either or both of my masterclass and recital that day with such attentiveness and passion. It has been an absolutely fantastic day! ‘
Mark Viner at St Mary’s Nobility and radiance on a voyage of discovery
Another two recitals by KT emeritus Mark Viner followed by a short tour of Germany arranged by Moritz von Bredow in Hamburg
https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/?p=33506
George X. Fu, another KT emeritus pianist, gave a stunning performance at the Pharos Arts Centre in Cyprus of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards Sur l’Enfant Jésus including a masterclass. George writes: ‘I had a wonderful trip to Cyprus to perform the entire cycle of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant Jésus. From the moment I arrived, I was looked after warmly by Garo and befriended many new people affiliated with the festival. On the day of the concert, I gave a morning educational lecture-recital with students from a local music school, playing excerpts from the Messiaen while answering questions about my life and career. Afterwards, Saskia conducted a brilliant, challenging interview of me on the radio ranging on many topics, from the work that I was to perform to philosophies on education and the arts. Finally, I performed the recital to a wonderfully appreciative audience who I dined with afterwards. On the following day I visited a gem of a bookshop, called the Mouffalla, run by someone who attended the recital — Ruth, who very graciously gifted me several books on Cyprus and various other interesting topics. I leave the country with many wonderful new friends and memories.’
‘The exquisite pianist George X. Fu, gave a dynamic but at the same time heartbreaking interpretation of the monumental Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant Jésus by Messiaen’ – Yvonne Georgiadou, Artistic Director, Pharos Arts.
And on the same day in London, at Wigmore Hall, Emanuil Ivanov gave a breathtaking account of Rzewski’s Variations in the Royal Academy of Music Series where Emanuil and George are both Fellows. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/10/09/emanuil-ivanov-sensational-performance-at-the-wigmore-hall-of-rzewski-the-people-united-will-never-be-defeated-a-staggering-performance-of-total-mastery-and-musical-communication/
On the 10th October, Nicolò Giuliana Tuccia gave a recital in Florence which was rapturously received.
Nicolò Giuliano Tuccia ‘sensibility and mastery ignite the Harold Acton Library’ including a long distance review.
On 13th October, Ivelina Krasteva played in a festival of women composers ‘L’Une, Elles in Lunel’, France. She performed: Clara Schumann – 3 Romances, op. 11; Mel Bonis – Desdemona op.109, Ophélie op. 165 and Barcarolle op. 71; Pauline Viardot – Two pieces for piano ; Teresa Carreño – Mi Teresita (Petite Valse) ; and Clara Schumann – Sonata in G minor.
Le matin, il faudra se rendre à l’orangerie du parc de la Ville de Lunel- Viel pour écouter la pianiste Ivelina Krasteva qui interprètera des compositrices du 20e siècle.
Mikhail Kambarov at Steinway Hall London Poetic sensibility of a Master
Mikhail Kambarov, star pupil of Michail Lifits (winner in 2008 of the Busoni Competition and Emeritus KT artist) in Weimar, made his Steinway Hall debut for the Keyboard Trust after his sensational win in two international competitions this year: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/04/11/trapani-the-jewel-of-sicily-where-dreams-can-become-reality-the-international-piano-competition-domenico-scarlatti/
The extraordinary class of Michail Lifits.Nine young pianists of artistic integrity and refined musicianship who illuminated the beauty of Chopin’s 21 nocturnes
On 17th October, Victor Braojos gave a recital for Imperial College.
Victor Braojos at Imperial College ‘The voice of Spain with love,authority and passion’
On 18th October, Tyler Hay played at the North Fylde Music Circle – with thanks to the Robert Turnbull Foundation for its support. Apparently, it went super well and the piano was ‘gorgeous’. The only spanner in the works was our lovely train system with two cancellations in two days – but hero Tyler made it there and back with only a dry comment that only one of the 30+ trains he had travelled on recently had run ‘on time’. He had one night at home, after 5 weeks away, and is now in France. The life of a travelling pianist!! https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=e365e67791&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1813709325067314547&th=192b97058e736573&view=att&zw&disp=safe
On 3rd November, Louis-Victor Bak played in the Elgar Room in the Royal Albert Hall on Elton John’s Red Yamaha Tour piano. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/11/03/louis-victor-bak-at-the-royal-albert-hall-aristocratic-music-making-of-refined-good-taste/
On 5th November, Paul Lewis, one of the very first to be helped by the Keyboard Trust in 1992, gave a masterclass at Milton Court for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Emanuil Ivanov gave two more concerts for us: one on 9th November at the Erin Arts Centre on the Isle of Man with a masterclass and recital.
And the other at the Pharos Arts Foundation Cyprus on 28th November where Garo Keheyan, in presenting Emanuil Ivanov, announced the very sad loss of his close friend, John Leech.
‘An extraordinary Pharos Arts Foundation evening for those fortunate enough to attend last night’s piano recital with the remarkable young pianist Emanuil Ivanov at The Shoe Factory – the most recognised venue in Cyprus for chamber music and recitals. A tempestuous tour de force that included Beethoven’s Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Shostakovich Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 and Rachmaninov Etudes-Tableaux, Op.39.
Ivanov delivered thunderous fortissimos that were full of depth and emotion, seamlessly morphing into the most delicate and nuanced pianissimo, all within coherent, well thought out architectural infrastructures.’ Yvonne Georgiadou adds: ‘ As I mentioned on Pharos’ Facebook page, Emanuil’s recital was absolutely thrilling. He is undeniably one of the finest pianists we have collaborated on, and it was a privilege to present him. Emanuil is on par with any big name out there and he has the qualities for a celebrated career ahead. His technical command is unparalleled, and his introspective sensitivity is rare to encounter. He performs with such natural elegance, free of any pretentiousness or affectation – a true artist.
Beyond his remarkable talent, Emanuil is a genuinely wonderful person – humble, grounded, and impressively mature for his age. We’re already looking forward to inviting him for another recital in the future.’
https://fb.watch/wJbY8VR4wu/?mibextid=WC7FNe
On 23rd November, The Liszt Society held their Annual Liszt Day at St Mary’s, Perivale.
https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/12/25/the-liszt-society-day-in-perivale/
On Thursday, 20th October Sherri Lun opened our Rising Stars Series in collaboration with City Music Promotions at St Mary Le Strand ( see above). The second concert in the series was with Kyle Hutchings on 20th November.
Kyle Hutchings The troubadour of the piano illuminates St Mary Le Strand
And another candlelight concert in the church where I was married !
On Sunday, 10th November, Giovanni Bertolazzi gave a sensational recital in Rome for the Roma 3 Orchestra series, to evaluate the lesser- known museum heritage, including the complete paraphrases of Verdi operas by Liszt. Shortly after this, Giovanni gave four recitals in Germany in Hamburg and Cologne ( see above).
Misha Kaploukhii gave two recitals in our Florence and Milan series. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/11/14/misha-kaploukhii-in-florence-and-milan-for-the-keyboard-trust-and-robert-turnbull-piano-foundation/
And a few days later at the National Liberal Club he played the second Chopin Concerto with a Chamber Ensemble. Magdalene Ho played the first Chopin Concerto.
Misha Kaploukhii also played Brahms’ 2nd Concerto with the London Rehearsal Orchestra at Bishopsgate Institute on the Bechstein Concert Grand that had belonged to Myra Hess. He will play Brahms’ 2nd Concerto again at Cadogan Hall on 19th February.
Our last Steinway Hall recital this year was given by Jeremy Chan on 13th November. https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/11/14/jeremy-chan-at-steinway-hall-for-the-keyboard-trust/
Axel Trolese came to the UK from Italy to give two concerts. One in Shrewsbury in Peter Barritt’s series on 26th November and one in the newly opened Bechstein Hall in London on 24th.
‘The Italian pianist Axel Trolese visited Shrewsbury on Tuesday 26th November 2024 to perform for the first time in Shropshire, arriving hot-foot from playing his debut recital in London at the new Bechstein Hall. This recital in the Tuesday lunchtime St Alkmund series was the first recital sponsored by The Keyboard Trust and the Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation, who plan to support two Shrewsbury International Piano Recitals per year, in recognition of the welcome given to young international pianists by the town. Axel comes highly recommended from his homeland, where he is a regular recitalist and esteemed teacher. His programme was influenced by his recent achievement of reaching the second round of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition. Axel explained to the audience that his programme demonstrated how the piano has been used to illustrate different genres of music. He started with J.S. Bach’s Italian Concerto, with the piano acting in orchestral fashion. As the first movement got underway, it was obvious that we were listening to a master of his craft, with immaculate technique, light pedalling and melodies singing from both hands. Repeats were adorned with intricate and subtle ornaments and variations in dynamics that seemed effortless and added to the freshness of his interpretation. The slow movement was achingly beautiful, played in a manner faithful to the period yet full of colour and interest. No surprise, then, to learn that Axel is a keen student of period instruments such as the fortepiano and harpsicord. The final movement was played with infectious enthusiasm, full of joy. What future pleasures await us as Axel delves into the vast treasure trove of Bach’s music for keyboard! Next up, from the baroque we moved to the watery depths of romantic repertoire of Franz Liszt, exploring the beautiful fountains and gardens of the 16th Century Villa D’Este in Tivoli near Rome. There were handfuls of notes pouring out of the piano in cascades of sound, soaking the audience in torrents of notes. Those of us lucky enough to have visited the Villa were reminded of the sculptural beauty of the gardens and fountains, which Liszt visited on three occasions. Axel then switched from the heavenly to the demonic Transcendental study in F minor which he played with seemingly effortless bravado.In my limited experience, it is rare to find a young pianist equally at home with Bach and Rachmaninov but it was the breadth and complexity of Axel’s repertoire that was so impressive in his recital. With technical challenges seemingly brushed aside, he could concentrate on the essence of the music, taking the audience with him on an exhilarating adventure. Rachmaninov Etude-Tableau? No problem.Axel has a deep love of French and Spanish music. He has recorded the complete Iberia by Albéniz and he played a composition based on the life of a busy fishing port, busy with sounds of a fish market and a young girl singing. Why an Italian feels so grounded in the dance and passion of Spanish music is a mystery, but Axel relishes their music and passion. St Alkmund’s was not only full of an enthusiastic audience but characteristically bathed in winter sunshine. It was something of a jump of faith to get into the mood of the gothic world of sinking mermaids, hangmen and the night terrors of Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit. Ravel is Axel’s favourite composer and he relished disappearing into this spooky sound world, full of foreboding. Finally the recital ended with the flourish of De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, played with customary panache and passion. The Shrewsbury audience was on its feet, having enjoyed a world-class performer at the top of his game. The audience has no intention of letting Axel go without an encore and we heard the hauntingly beautiful Canción y danza no 6 by Federico Mompou. The simple beauty of the piece was a perfect end to an outstanding performance from a musician bound for greatness. Thank you Keyboard Trust and Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation for sending such a treasure for Shrewsbury to enjoy.’ https://petebarritt.wixsite.com/shrewsbury-internati
On 23rd November Filippo Tenisci played at Tuscia University in Viterbo: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/11/24/filippo-tenisci-in-viterbo-with-mastery-and-refined-generosity/
On 4th December, Kasparas Mikužis played in Wigmore Hall’s Royal Academy Series. Another quite sensational Lithuanian pianist who gave a memorable performance of Rachmaninov’s much troubled First Sonata: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/12/04/kasparas-mikuzis-at-the-wigmore-hall-masterly-playing-of-fluidity-and-ravishing-beauty/
And on 21st December, in Villa Borghese, for Roma 3 Orchestra, a recital of Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage Italie by Maurizio Baglini, a KT emeritus artist from 1996.
On 17th December Andrea Molteni gave a recital at St Mary’s Perivale: https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.com/2024/12/17/andrea-molteni-at-st-marys-the-extraordinary-clarity-and-mastery-of-a-thinking-musician/
It would not be Christmas without the special party that Steinway holds every year in the beautiful flagship in the centre of Milan.
What greater tribute could there be to our founder than a concert for Ukrainian Medical Charity in the Lansdowne Club where John’s family and a few intimate friends had gathered shortly before to say a sad farewell to a friend and father figure to us all.
Sasha Grynyuk and Katya Gorbatiouk, who have been closest to Noretta and John over the past few years, know better than any the poignant significance of this concert on this very special day.
Gen Ukrainian Christmas Gala Concert ‘Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme’
ChristopherAxworthy-MusicCommentary 
3 risposte a "Point and Counterpoint 2024 A personal view by Christopher Axworthy"