The Lied Center for Performing Arts has announced its second annual piano series as a classical music programming highlight of the its 25th anniversary season.
Known for their virtuosic performances around the globe, Marc-Andre Hamelin, Jonathan Biss and Jon Nakamatsu will headline the 2014-15 Lied Center Piano Series. Each artist has specifically selected a program for his Lied Center performance that includes a work by Ludwig van Beethoven. Hamelin will perform Oct. 7, Biss Jan. 13 and Nakamatsu April 25.
Tickets to all piano series performances will be available for reservation as part of a 2014-15 season ticket package. Orders will be accepted starting May 15. If the performances are not sold out through season ticket orders, any remaining tickets will be available for single ticket purchase starting Aug. 19. Call the Lied Center Ticket Office at 402-472-4747 for more information.
“The Lied Center has a storied tradition of presenting the finest pianists in the world year after year,” said Ann Chang, Lied Center artistic director. “After the immense success of our first piano Series last season, it was clear that the series would be returning this year and we are thrilled to have some of the most celebrated pianists on board for this special occasion, performing the work of one of the most accomplished and revered composers of all time.”
Though the Lied Center has long presented some of the most world renowned pianists, including Vladimir Feltsman, Emanuel Ax and Kathryn Stott, its dedicated Piano Series began only in October when the legendary Leon Fleischer shared the stage with the Lied’s resident orchestra, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. The winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn Gold Medal, Vadym Kholodenko, gave a stellar performance at the end of October, and Brazilian pianist, Arnaldo Cohen, capped off the series in March.
Hamelin’s unique blend of musicianship and creativity brings forth interpretations known for their freedom, originality and prodigious mastery of the piano’s resources. A musician of broad musical interests and curiosity, Hamelin is renowned in equal measure for his fresh readings of the established repertoire and for his exploration of lesser known works of the 19th and 20th centuries, both in the recording studio and the concert hall.
An American virtuoso, Biss is one of the most sought-after pianists today for solo recitals and appearances with major orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony. Lied patrons will experience works by Schumann, Schoenberg and Beethoven in this concert.
Nakamatsu will join Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto” in a concert to remember. In the same program, the LSO and top choirs from across Nebraska cap off a season of classical music at the Lied with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
