March 30, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- “Imagine a pianist with intellectual depth, an impeccable technique, and a penchant for unconventional interpretations, and you have a glimpse of Anton Kuerti,” wrote the Chicago Tribune. This favourite of National Arts Centre audiences, will return to Southam Hall in recital on the Bombardier Great Performers Series on Tuesday, April 11 at 20:00 in solo piano pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and Beethoven.

The recital opens with one of Mozart’s most extraordinary works for solo piano – the Fantasy in C minor, which spans a wide range of emotions from gentle to dramatic. Schubert is then represented by his Sonata No. 19 in C minor, one of the composer’s final three epic works in the genre. Next Kuerti moves to Brahms, beginning with two tempestuous and emotional Rhapsodies – No. 2 in G minor and No. 1 in B minor – followed by Brahms’ Four Pieces: intense miniatures that were the composer’s last ever works for solo piano. The recital closes with Beethoven’s Sonata No. 26 known as “Les Adieux” from an inscription the composer wrote over the opening chords to his piano student, patron and close friend Rudolf when the latter was forced to flee Vienna before the arrival of Napoleon.

A critic for the U.S. magazine Fanfare wrote simply that “Kuerti is the best pianist currently playing” and CD Review (London) called him “one of the truly great pianists of this century”. He has toured 39 countries, including Japan, Russia, and most European countries, and has performed with most major North American orchestras and conductors. His vast repertoire includes some 50 concertos, including one he composed himself. In Canada Kuerti has appeared in 140 communities from coast to coast, and has played with every professional orchestra. With the National Arts Centre Orchestra, he has performed approximately two dozen concerts since 1971, and joined the ensemble on two European Tours. In 1999, he and Pinchas Zukerman donated their services for a fundraiser to purchase the NAC’s new Steinway piano. He was a member of the faculty of the NAC Summer Music Institute in 2002.

Tickets for this Bombardier Great Performers recital on April 11 are on sale now at $25.00, $41.00, $43.00, $51.50 and $53.00, with box seats at $65.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s web-site at www.nac-cna.ca.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca. Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card.

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For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca