The ivory-tickler

Acclaimed pianist Stephen Hough will showcase his skills with the MPO at the DFP, writes Dennis Chua

RENOWNED pianist Stephen Hough returns to perform with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at 8.30pm tomorrow and 3pm Sunday at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. These showcases will be a warm welcome for Hough, who is a familiar face to the audience at DFP, having performed with the MPO in 1998, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2012.

He will be performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, a song of lyrical bent with great subtlety of expression. This bold and innovative work was premiered in Vienna in 1808.

With an artistic vision that transcends fashions and trends, Hough is widely recog- nised as one of the most distinctive pianists of his generation.

He is the first classical music performer to be awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, joining prominent scientists, writers and those who have made unique contributions to contemporary life.

Having appeared with major European and American orchestras, and played recitals at prestigious concert venues, he was named by The Economist as one of Twenty Living Polymaths, and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2014.

His catalogue of over 50 CDs has garnered Grammy nominations and Gramophone Awards including Record of the Year and the Gold Disc.

He is also a prolific composer and an avid writer.

The MPO will close the concert with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

It was written within three months in the summer of 1877. Its lyrical and relaxed character, and the grace of its melodies, are all attributable in some measure to the charms of the south Austrian countryside.

It was first performed by the Vienna Philharmonic and Hans Richter that year.

The MPO will be led by British conductor Mark Wigglesworth, who returns to the podium after weaving his magic with the MPO in April last year.

Tickets are priced between RM100 and RM200. Call 03-2331 7007.

Joanne Kam

Stephen Hough