I am really looking forward to another return recital at Salle Cortot in Paris. This is one of the most beautiful recital halls in the world, with its magnificent wood paneling and its intimate feel. The program is an all-Beethoven first half (well, almost all Beethoven – I open with one of my signature pieces, the crowd-pleasing Shchedrin’s Basso Ostinato) – Beethoven’s Polonaise op 89 and Appassionata sonata op 57. In the second half, I play Ljova’s Sirota, the European premiere, and then my beloved Davidsbundler op 6 , of Schumann. The Beehoven half means a lot to me because my new disc, “Beethoven the Innovator”, will be coming out soon. The Davidsbundler is one of the most mystical, unconventional large piano works, and playing it is always a new journey.
Coming to Paris is always a magical adventure because I feel that it constantly gives – mesmerizing beauty, inspiration, energy. Coming to Paris to play means being able to give back something to this city and its people. I love it.