Lisiecki has been exciting both Canadian and international audiences since the age of nine. Twelve years later, the pianist has amassed a wealth of recognition and honours — including playing for Queen Elizabeth II in Ottawa back in 2011. However, for a musician of Polish descent, the honour of opening Chopin’s 200th birthday celebrations at the composer’s birthplace of Żelazowa Wola must rate among the highest of honours. The young pianist’s career has been full of Chopin; the composer’s inspired notes have guided Lisiecki’s hands towards fame and glory — which is why the pianist’s newest release is such an appropriate addition to his impressive body of Chopin performances.
Available as of March 10th, the CD is a tantalizing selection from Chopin’s works for piano and orchestra. From the lesser known ‘Fantasy on Polish Airs’ to the famous ‘Variations on “Là ci darem la mano”‘, Chopin: Works for Piano and Orchestra contains something for both the casual fan and the dedicated aficionado.
Lisiecki will also accompany the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on its upcoming tour from May 7-22. The TSO will perform in four countries, including its first ever trip to Israel, where they will be playing in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Performances of Schumann’s ‘Piano Concerto in A minor’ will feature Lisiecki as the soloist. If you’re in Toronto and want to catch either of the two send-off concerts on May 3rd and 4th at Roy Thomson Hall, tickets can be purchased on the TSO’s website.
