Culturally saturated weekend
My culturally saturated weekend included two memorable performances: the recital by the virtuoso pianist Evgeny Kissin at the architecturally stunning Davies Symphony Hall and right across the Grove Street the spectacular performance by the amazingly talented ballet dancers of the San Francisco Ballet with its Artistic Director Tamara Rojo at its helm in their loving salute to Van Manen, the Dutch Grandmaster at the legendary War Memorial Theater.
The program featured: “Grosse Fuge” to the music of Beethoven; “Variations For Two Couples” to the music of Britten, Rautravaara, Tickmayer after Bach and Piazolla, “Solo” to the music of Bach and “5 Tangos” by Piazzolla (my favorite!) were electrifying, thrilling and mesmerizing.
Both sold out to the capacity venues attracted an enthusiastic crowd from around the Bay Area and beyond, who were eager to hear and see the very best the world of performing arts can offer. And they, including me, definitely were not disappointed. While the scheduled repertoire featured the compositions of Bach, Chopin and Shostakovich, our prolonged standing ovations were rewarded by Kissin showcasing once again his genius in gifting us generously with a few more thrilling compositions by Chopin…
“A spectacular sensational recital concert by the exceptionally gifted virtuoso pianist Evgeny Kissin.. Chopin composed music with Kissin in mind… Steinway created a grand piano with Kissin in mind…”
- Lina Broydo, Award Winning Writer/Columnist/Blogger
“Zhenja Kissin is a unique talent, one in 100 years appearing on the Earth, noble and eloquent, an honest musician and person. I keep the memory of my concerts with him deep in my heart …”
- Maestro Leonid Grin, National Symphony Orchestra of Chile Conductor
“I love his playing. He’s like a philosopher at the keyboard, and sounds like the great pianists of the past. A true artist in every sense.”
- Maestro Yair Samet, San Jose Youth Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Need I say more? It was definitely my weekend to enjoy and remember!
By Lina Broydo
