Clive Kerridge writes : ‘ There was an enthusiastic reception for KT-supported rising star, Giulia Contaldo‘s recital in Adbaston (Stafford) on Sunday 7th September 2025 .
It opened with her sensitive rendition of Claude Debussy‘s celebrated Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faun, transcribed for piano by his contemporary Leonard Borwick (though Giulia‘s elegantly colourful playing was almost orchestral in its own right!). That was followed with two pieces from Franz Liszt ‘ Légendes‘, concluding with her full-blooded rendition of S175/2, inspired by a legend of Saint Francis of Paola.
Giulia‘s second set maintained the theme of Myths, Legends and Stories, starting with Szymanowski‘s Trois Poèmes, the Polish-Ukrainian composer’s recognised piano masterpiece, which Giulia played with her characteristic pathos and exuberance across the three sections.
The concert concluded with her scintillating playing of another Liszt piece: from Années de Pèlerinage, S160 Vallée d’Obermann, described as ‘achingly beautiful’ by the [Adbaston] host, which received a rousing ovation from the audience.This was an excellent recital by an assured keyboard artist, surely on a trajectory to becoming a recognised international virtuoso soloist.’
Carol Hodgson writes : ‘Once again it was such a pleasure to see you all again and host a KT pianist in Giulia: she was wonderful, and I felt she put her very soul into each piece. I felt transported by music I was hitherto unfamiliar with. She is a powerful player, yet the slightest touch on the keys conveyed such gentleness and sensitivity.’
ChristopherAxworthy-MusicCommentary 