Kirill Gerstein replaces Pollini

Italian Maurizio Pollini has, due to a shoulder injury, been obliged to cancel and is replaced by the great Russian-American pianist Kirill Gerstein. 

Kirill Gerstein’s natural versatility and curiosity has led him to explore a wide range of repertoire and styles. From Bach to Adès, his playing is distinguished by a discerning intelligence, great virtuosity and a clarity of expression which he combines with an energetic and imaginative musical presence. He has been described as “gloriously free and unfazed by technical difficulties” (Leipziger Volkszeitung).

Kirill Gerstein debuted at the Konserthuset Stockholm in 2006, as a selected Rising Stars that season. He returned as a soloist with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic in 2010 and 2017.

Kirill Gerstein's program starts with music by the English composer – and pianist – Thomas Adès, written as a celebration of Chopin 200 years (2010). These three mazurkas lean against Polish folk music in the same way that Chopin’s music did, although the rhythms and accents are derived from other worlds.

Gerstein continues with Beethoven's last piano sonata (a piece that was also included in the previously announced program with Pollini). After intermission, awaits three Chopin waltzes, and finally Franz Liszt’s masterpiece: Sonata in b minor.