| One of the world’s best pianists is coming to Canberra. Elizabeth Schumann will squeeze two concerts in Canberra between engagements in Montreal and Boston. This Canberra appearance will be the only opportunity for Australian audiences to enjoy this perfect artist.Elizabeth celebrates the music of Chopin in this year of his 200th anniversary. To make this concert even more special it will be presented at the Polish Embassy.
Elizabeth Schumann is the winner of Bosendorfer Piano Competition, the Pacific Piano Competition, the Cleveland Competition and the Hilton Foundation prize. She plays concertos with America’s great orchestras, and her recordings of Chopin are regarded as definitive versions. Elizabeth brings an ethereal glamour to the stage, and her playing imbues the music of the romantic composers with poetry and soul.
“Since winning the Bosendorfer piano competition the young pianist Elizabeth Schumann has become a darling of the press, perhaps as much for her appearance and style as her already impressive musical accomplishments.
Last Thursday’s concert was her first North American engagement since her series of winner’s concerts in Europe, and also her first appearance in Boston. This debut was notable for being heralded by several weeks of media hyperbole and glamour photos. The already spoiled Boston audience approached this concert unsure of whether it was to be enjoyed in the spirit of the concert hall or the Hollywood celebrity event.
When the diminutive Miss Schumann first walked onstage I momentarily thought she was a rather solemn and strikingly beautiful child, but as she approached the piano she exuded an intensity and obvious command of the arena that bespoke a seasoned performer.
From the first notes we were captivated by compelling artistry. The Chopin Nocturnes caressed us with the tenderness a lover, the Liszt Ballade was declaimed like poetry, and the Beethoven Sonata showed the vision and scope of a great orator. Miss Schumann makes the piano speak, and this Symphony Hall audience clung to every word.
Elizabeth’s Schumann’s glamour and presence don’t distract us from the truth of her interpretations, and her electrically charged technique illuminates rather than distracts with its sparks.”
Walter Kurth
Musical Review
You’ll enjoy Nocturnes; Waltzes; Polonaises and Ballades by Chopin, framed by selections from Beethoven; Liszt and Schubert.
Book now by email: carlrafferty@bigpond.com or phone 6254 3135 or 0417 429 899.
Saturday November 20, 5pm and Sunday November 21, 5pm. Embassy of Poland, Yarralumla.
All tickets $40, This concert will last 80 minutes. Meet Elizabeth over drinks and a nibble on the verandah.
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