Media Release 11 January 2016
‘Genius’ American Pianist Jeremy Denk to Perform Bach’s Goldberg Variations at the National Concert Hall
Jeremy Denk, piano
International Concert Series 2016
Thursday 4th February, 8pm
National Concert Hall
“Dynamic, continuous, revelatory… Denk’s recitals are mandatory listening now” The Arts Desk
“Stunning clarity… sheer virtuosic excitement” Bachtrack
Winner of a MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellowship and Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year award (2014), pianist Jeremy Denk makes his debut solo recital as part of the National Concert Hall’s Piano Masters Series ‘15/16 on Thursday 4th February at 8pm.
Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists and combines a thoughtful and intellectual approach to the piano with dazzling virtuosity. His performance on February 4th features Bach’s compelling Goldberg Variations, and his playing of this extraordinary and profound work has been described by The Washington Post as “a revealing journey into the soul”. His recording of the work in 2013 reached number one on Billboard’s Classical Chart.
Also featured is Mozart’s enigmatic Rondo in A minor K. 511, followed by one of Beethoven’s late, great piano sonatas – the Op. 109 in E major. Jeremy Denk believes that in the final movement of this piece, through its heartfelt theme and variations, Beethoven is invoking Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Denk’s visit to Ireland is part of his fourteen-city recital of the USA interspersed with visits to Belgium and the UK. Last season Denk served as Music Director of the Ojai Music Festival, for which, besides performing and curating, he wrote the text for a comic opera that was presented by Carnegie Hall.
He has toured frequently with violinist Joshua Bell (including a visit to the National Concert Hall in 2007 for which they received superb reviews) and their Sony Classical album French Impressions won the 2012 ECHO Klassik award.
Jeremy Denk is a graduate of the Juilliard School. A keen writer, his experiences of touring, performing and practicing are recounted on his blog Think Denk, found at jeremydenk.net
The National Concert Hall’s International Concert Series 2015/2016 continues on Monday 29th February with the famed German baritone Christian Gerhaher joining the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Gottfried von der Goltz and with Lorenzo Coppola on clarinet in a unique all-Mozart programme.
The International Concert Series ‘15/16 is sponsored by Dublin Port and supported by The Irish Times as print media partner. Tickets are available from the National Concert Hall Box Office, telephone 01 - 417 00 00 or visit www.nch.ie
Tickets: €45, €37.50, €27.50 (€18.50 choir balcony)
Piano Master Class with Jeremy Denk
Ahead of his performance on February 4th Jeremy Denk will present master classes to advanced piano students and emerging professionals on Wednesday 3rd February at 1pm. Those interested in participating should send a musical CV to education@nch.ie no later than Friday 22 January 2016.Participant Tickets: €50
Observer tickets: €5
Media Enquiries: Jenny Costello, Marketing Executive, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 417 0077 or E-mail jenny.costello@nch.ie
