Nobuyuki Tsujii

Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii – known as Nobu – is rapidly becoming one of the distinctive musical voices of our time. Nobu – who has been blind since birth – began his musical life on a toy piano, diligently mimicking his mother’s songs. His rise was vertiginous – debuting at twelve in Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, and going on to win the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition. As well as his electrifying stage presence – ‘the definition of virtuosity’ according to The Observer – Nobu is an artist of distinct sensitivity. He speaks often of the care with which he approaches each piece of music, and his sense of responsibility to draw the audience into his sound world. Having recently signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon – who will produce his debut DG record in 2025 – Nobu joins Argerich and Pollini, his pianist heroes. This performance is a unique opportunity to experience an artist who will shortly become a household name.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 Tempest (23')

I. Largo – Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto

Franz Liszt (1811–1886)
Venezia e Napoli: Supplément aux Années de Pèlerinage II, S. 162 (18')

I. Gondoliera
II. Canzone
III. Tarantella

Maurice Ravel (1875–1937)
Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn (2')
Pavane pour une infante défunte (6')
Jeux d'eau (6')

Nicolai Kapustin (1937–2020)
Eight Concert Études, Op. 40 (22')

I. Prelude: Allegro assai
II. Dream: Moderato
III. Toccatina: Allegro
IV. Reminiscence: Larghetto
V. Raillery: Vivace
VI. Pastoral: Allegro moderato
VII. Intermezzo: Allegretto
VIII. Final: Prestissimo