Rachmaninov piano concert at Manoel
Born in the Czech Republic in 1986, pianist Lukas Vondracek's musical ability was spotted when he was only two by his mother, herself a professional pianist. He gave his first concert at the age of four and now, at aged 19, he has visited 21 countries...
Born in the Czech Republic in 1986, pianist Lukas Vondracek's musical ability was spotted when he was only two by his mother, herself a professional pianist. He gave his first concert at the age of four and now, at aged 19, he has visited 21 countries giving in excess of 750 concerts.
We are indeed fortunate to welcome Vondracek back to our shores, after a dazzling recital last year, which made him the talk of the town. This time he will be performing Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini Op. 43 together with the National Orchestra, conducted by Michael Laus, at the Manoel Theatre on Tuesday, May 16, in a concert to be held jointly by the Manoel Theatre and the National Orchestra.
As one of the great piano virtuosos of his day, Rachmaninoff wrote several pieces for his instrument, which showed a consummate command of its resources. Such is the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43, his last work for piano and orchestra. The theme is that of the Paganini Caprice no. 24, faintly suggested in the orchestral introduction, and heard in its entirety in the violins in the first variation. Twenty-three other variations follow, with contrasting style and moods.
The Paganini theme is often transformed with considerable harmonic and rhythmic subtlety, but its identity is rarely lost. A powerful chord for piano and orchestra heralds the end of the work, which comes to a brilliant finale with a vigorous recollection of the Paganini subject
The youngest pianist to have been invited to play in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank in their prestigious International Piano Series, Vondracek's performances with orchestra are widely acclaimed - they include appearances with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy at Birmingham's Symphony Hall; a tour in the United States with the Czech Philharmonic from Chicago to the Carnegie Hall, again to the baton of Ashkenazy.
In 2004 he made his debut with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in Hanley and Chester, and last year joined the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paavo Jarvi.
The Orchestral Concert at the Manoel will also feature two gems: Smetana's Blanik - Symphonic Poem from 'Ma Vlast' and Brahms' Symphony no. 3 in F Major. Reservations may be made from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office, tel: 2124-6389, e-mail bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt; Website www.teatrumanoel.com