Short description
The Season Opening Gala Concert is an all French program featuring the return of famous pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Come listen to him dazzle you with Saint- Saën’s magnificent Piano Concerto No. 5 , “The Egyptian”.
Berlioz – Overture to Le Corsair
Gabriel Fauré – Dolly Suite
Saint-Saens – Bacchanale
Saint-Saens – Piano Concerto No. 5
Soloist: Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Conductor: Olivier Ochanine
The famous French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet headlines this special concert that features an all French repertoire culminating in the magnificent 5th Piano Concerto (“Egyptian”) of Saint-Saens. Berlioz opens the concert with the very bombastic overture to his opera Le Corsair, showcasing virtuosity across the orchestra. This contrasts nicely with the sweetness of Faure’s Dolly Suite. Saint-Saens prefaces the concerto with the thrilling Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah. This special concert brings one of the most famous pianists today to Hanoi in what is sure to be one for the history books.
For more than three decades, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has performed world-wide, recorded more than 50 albums, and built a reputation as one of today’s finest pianists. He plays a range of solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire – from Beethoven through Liszt, Grieg, and Saint-Saëns; to Khachaturian and Gershwin, and to contemporary composers Qigang Chen and James MacMillan. From the very start of his career, he delighted in music beyond the standard repertoire, from jazz to opera, which he transcribed himself to play on the piano. His profound professional friendships crisscross the globe and have led to spontaneous and fruitful collaborations in film, fashion, and visual art.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet was born in Lyon, France, where he began his piano studies at age five and made his first public appearance at age seven. At twelve, he entered the Paris Conservatory to study with Aldo Ciccolini and Lucette Descaves, a friend and collaborator of Ravel. At age fifteen, he won the Premier Prix du Conservatoire and, three years later, the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York City. Among his numerous commendations is the Victoire d’Honneur, a lifetime career achievement award and the highest honour given by France’s Victoires de la Musique. In 2010 the Hollywood Bowl honored Thibaudet for his musical achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. Previously a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Thibaudet was awarded the title Officier by the French Ministry of Culture in 2012.