FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2009-2010 CLIBURN CONCERTS
SEASON
Highlights include a performance by Grammy-winning superstar
cellist Yo-Yo Ma, improvisational pianist Gabriela Montero,
composer Ricky Ian Gordon, and the Cliburn Concerts debut of the
2009 Cliburn Competition gold medalist.
Season Tickets Now on Sale
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, March 27, 2009--The Van Cliburn Foundation
has announced its 2009-2010 Cliburn Concerts season, which will
include ten diverse and engaging concerts featuring rising stars
and world-class artists at Bass Performance Hall and the Modern Art
Museum of Fort Worth.
Cliburn Concerts season ticket packages are available online
at www.cliburntickets.org or by calling Central Ticket Office at
800.462.7979.
Cliburn at the Bass offers a unique opportunity to hear some
of the world's most sought-after classical musicians in the
magnificent setting of Bass Performance Hall. The headline event of
the season takes place March 16 and showcases Grammy-winning
cellist Yo-Yo Ma and noted pianist Kathryn Stott in a special
program of masterworks and light classics.
The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medalist of the
Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will launch
the series in September with his/her Cliburn Concerts debut, giving
area audiences another opportunity to hear the top prizewinner of
the world's preeminent piano competition. The season will also
feature Gabriela Montero, the sensational Venezuelan pianist known
for her outstanding ability to improvise on the classics; a
bicentennial celebration of beloved composer Frédéric Chopin with
pianist Garrick Ohlsson; Fort Worth Symphony concertmaster Michael
Shih leading and performing rare chamber works with his outstanding
colleagues; and the long-anticipated Cliburn Concerts debut of
Canadian virtuoso pianist Marc-André Hamelin. The season culminates
with 1997 Cliburn gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu paired with
award-winning clarinetist Jon Manasse in an evening of lyrical and
dynamic duos.
Dedicated to introducing area audiences to the most compelling
and appealing music of our time, Cliburn at the Modern launches its
sixth season with an evening of works by Jennifer Higdon, one of
today's most performed composers. The 2009-2010 Modern series will
also celebrate acclaimed American pianist Ursula Oppens, who has
brought deserved attention to new works for more than thirty years.
Award-winning composer Ricky Ian Gordon, popular with today's
Broadway audiences, will close the Modern season with a program
featuring selections from his new opera The Grapes of Wrath.
Several subscription packages are available for Cliburn at the
Bass, ranging from $53 to $540. These include the Complete Bass
(all seven concerts, $97-$540); the Grand Bass (four concerts,
$60-$360); and the Select-Your-Own Series (select three concerts,
$53-$270).
Cliburn at the Modern subscriptions include all three Modern
concerts and are priced at $50.
Subscribers will receive a $10 instant rebate with the
purchase of any one of the Bass series plus the Modern
series.
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES
The series and ticket packages for the 2009-2010 Cliburn
Concerts season are as follows:
CLIBURN AT THE BASS
Seven concerts, Bass Performance Hall, corner of Commerce and
4th Streets, downtown Fort Worth. All concerts take place on
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
The Complete Bass: all seven concerts ($97-$540)
2009 Cliburn Gold Medalist, piano · September 22, 2009
Gabriela Montero, piano · October 6, 2009
Garrick Ohlsson, piano · October 27, 2009
Michael Shih and Friends · January 12, 2010
Marc-André Hamelin, piano · February 2, 2010
Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Kathryn Stott, piano · March 16, 2010
Manasse/Nakamatsu duo · April 13, 2010
The Grand Bass: four concerts ($60-$360)
Cliburn Gold Medalist, piano· September 22, 2009
Gabriela Montero, piano · October 6, 2009
Garrick Ohlsson, piano · October 27, 2009
Marc-André Hamelin, piano · February 2, 2010
Select-Your-Own Series: three concerts ($53-$270)
This concert package provides a choice of any three concerts,
excluding Yo-Yo Ma.
CLIBURN AT THE MODERN
Three concerts, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell
Street, Fort Worth Cultural District. All three concerts $50
Jennifer Higdon, composer · Saturday, November 21, 2:00 p.m.
2009
Ursula Oppens, piano · Saturday, February 20, 2010, 2:00
p.m.
Ricky Ian Gordon, composer · Monday, May 10, 2010, 7:30
p.m.
Individual tickets for Cliburn Concerts will go on sale August
28, 2009.
SPONSORS
ExxonMobil is the Principal Corporate Sponsor of the Van
Cliburn Foundation. American Airlines, Bank of America, City of
Fort Worth, J.P.Morgan, Star-Telegram, Steinway & Sons, and XTO
Energy Inc. are Official Corporate Sponsors, and RadioShack
Corporation is the Cliburn's Corporate Sponsor. Official Sponsors
are the Amon G. Carter Foundation, the Arts Council of Fort Worth
& Tarrant County, the Beaumont Foundation of America, the
Burnett Foundation, and the Sid W. Richardson Foundation.
Star-Telegram is the principal media partner and WRR 101.1 FM is
the official radio station of Cliburn Concerts.
ARTISTS FOR THE 2009-2010 CLIBURN CONCERTS SERIES
CLIBURN AT THE BASS
2009 Cliburn Gold Medalist · Tuesday, September 22, 2009 ·
7:30 p.m.
On June 7, 2009, the winner of the Thirteenth Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition will be presented with the Nancy
Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal. Relive the thrill of the world's
preeminent piano competition as the Cliburn's newest gold medalist
returns to Bass Hall in an encore performance launching the Cliburn
Concerts season and three years of worldwide concert
engagements!
"The winner of the Cliburn, a once-every-four-years event, can
lay claim to the title of best young piano player in the world."
(The Post Standard)
Gabriela Montero, piano · Tuesday, October 6, 2009 · 7:30
p.m.
Known to her fans as "La Divina del Piano," not only because
of her dazzling interpretations of the core repertoire, but also
for her extraordinary ability to spin freewheeling improvisations
on the classics, piano virtuosa Gabriela Montero was one of a few
classical music stars asked to play at President Obama's historic
inauguration. Expect the unexpected when Cliburn at the Bass debuts
this one-of-a-kind young artist (and bring along a request!).
"Ms Montero's playing had everything: crackling rhythmic brio,
subtle shadings, steely power in climactic moments, soulful
lyricism in the ruminative passages and, best of all, unsentimental
expressivity." (The New York Times)
Garrick Ohlsson, piano · Tuesday, October 27, 2009 · 7:30
p.m.
Since his win at the 1970 Chopin International Piano
Competition, pianist Garrick Ohlsson has established himself
worldwide as a musician of magisterial interpretive and technical
prowess. Although he has long been regarded as one of the world's
leading exponents of the music of Frédéric Chopin, Mr. Ohlsson
commands an enormous repertoire that ranges across the entire piano
literature.
"Ohlsson is a big man with a massive technique, and his
iron-fingered power in the most note-strewn passages is astounding,
even in an era of bounteous prodigies." (Miami Herald)
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 13 in E- flat major, Op. 27, No. 1,
("Quasi una fantasia")
BRAHMS Handel Variations
CHOPIN 24 Preludes, Op. 28
Michael Shih and Friends, violin · January 12, 2010 · 7:30
p.m.
Concertmaster of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 2004,
Michael Shih is admired for the intensity of his commitment to his
superb craft, as well as his willingness to explore new repertoire
for his instrument, a 1710 Antonio Stradivari violin. But it is Mr.
Shih's passion for sharing musical discoveries and favorite works
with his friends and colleagues that will ensure he remains a
fixture in our community. This musical soirée will showcase several
of Texas' finest musicians performing a multifaceted program, sure
to delight the audience.
MOZART Oboe Quartet in F major, K. 370
KODALY Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7
CURRIER Aftersong (1993)
TCHAIKOVSKY String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70, ("Souvenir de
Florence")
Marc-André Hamelin, piano · Tuesday, February 2, 2010 · 7:30
p.m.
Long known for his fearless exploration of unfamiliar
pianistic terrain, Marc-André Hamelin's startlingly original blend
of musicianship and virtuosity has earned him legendary status as a
true avatar of the piano. He has received eight Grammy nominations
for his recordings, ranging from eighteenth-century sonatas to
transcriptions by contemporary composers. Also a noted composer,
Mr. Hamelin will include a set of his own etudes in his Cliburn
Concerts debut.
"Marc-André Hamelin ranks among the small handful of
performers in every generation whose abilities defy the
imagination." (Toronto Star)
HAYDN Variations in F minor
MOZART Sonata in A minor
LISZT Venezia a Napoli
DEBUSSY Preludes, Book 2
HAMELIN Twelve Etudes
Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Kathryn Stott, piano · Tuesday, March 16,
2010 · 7:30 p.m.
The most recognized classical musician on the planet returns
to Bass Hall--this time with versatile British pianist Kathryn
Stott -- in a concert that promises to be a highlight of the
season. Mr. Ma has played for five sitting U.S. presidents,
including John F. Kennedy (when Ma was only seven) and most
recently, President Obama. Of Ms. Stott's longstanding musical
partnership with Mr. Ma, it has been written: "Pure musical
telepathy: Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott have it!"
"There is hardly any virtuoso of any instrument who is as
complete, profound, passionate, and humane a musician as Ma." (The
Boston Globe)
SCHUBERT Arpeggione in A minor, D. 821
SHOSTAKOVICH Sonata in D minor, Op. 40
PIAZZOLLA Le Grand Tango
GISMONTI Bodas de Prata & Quatro Cantos
FRANCK Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano
Manasse/Nakamatsu duo · Tuesday, April 13, 2010 · 7:30
p.m.
Since 1997 Cliburn gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu and popular
American clarinetist Jon Manasse first shared a concert stage five
years ago, the two have become the best of friends while rapidly
developing a reputation as one of the premier chamber duos touring
today. Brilliant virtuosity and refined artistry can be claimed by
both charismatic soloists, but it is the electric chemistry
resulting from the duo's shared musical understanding that
characterizes their seamless partnership. Their Cliburn Concerts
debut features a Brahms Sonata from the duo's well-received
recording for harmonia mundi usa in 2008.
"Besides being an astounding technician, Nakamatsu shows
impeccable taste; he puts a high gloss on anything he plays."
(Chicago Tribune)
"Mr. Manasse meets the call with deft technique, exquisite
sensitivity and smooth, flowing tone." (The New York Times)
CLIBURN AT THE MODERN
Jennifer Higdon · Saturday, November 21, 2009 · 2:00
p.m.
One of America's most frequently performed composers, Jennifer
Higdon writes music known for its technical skill and audience
appeal. The recipient of awards from the Guggenheim Foundation and
the American Academy of Arts & Letters, Ms. Higdon has been
commissioned by most major American orchestras, and is
composer-in-residence with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during
the 2009-2010 concert season.
"...a savvy, sensitive composer with a keen ear, an innate
sense of form and a generous dash of pure esprit." (Washington
Post)
Ursula Oppens · Saturday, February 20, 2010 · 2:00 p.m.
Ursula Oppens has dedicated more than thirty years to
championing the music of America's foremost living composers, many
of whom have written works especially for her. Ms. Oppens' sterling
musicianship and uncanny understanding of the composer's artistic
argument have placed her among the elect of today's performing
artists. Celebrate the career of this truly uncommon woman as she
plays and discusses works by John Corigliano, William Bolcom, and
Fort Worth native Julius Hemphill.
"What makes Oppens a compelling musician...is her probing
intellect and curiosity; her ability to clarify what she
perceives." (Seattle Post- Intelligencer)
Ricky Ian Gordon · Monday, May 10, 2010 · 7:30 p.m.
Considered by many to be the Stephen Sondheim of his
generation, Ricky Ian Gordon has written songs performed and
recorded by such artists as Betty Buckley, Renée Fleming, Audra
McDonald, and Frederica von Stade. He returns to Cliburn at the
Modern for an afternoon showcasing his most recent work, including
selections from The Grapes of Wrath, cited by Musical America as
"the great American opera."
"Gordon's musical style is post-modern (tonal and
non-dissonant) and crossover (tinted with Broadway and pop), which
gives the work immediacy and makes each audience member a
participant." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Contact: Sevan Melikyan Dir. of P.R.
email: sevan@cliburn.org
phone: 817.738.6536
web:
