To celebrate World Piano Day [Thursday 29th March] the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has revealed the repertoire for its Music Director, Vicky Yannoula’s performance with acclaimed pianist Peter Jablonski.
Forming part of The Classical Collection on Wednesday 4th July, pianists Vicky and Peter will take to the stage of the International Pavilion for a moving collaboration, featuring well-known and much-loved pieces, in a performance inspired by the power and magic of the piano.
The two-pianos extravaganza will begin with a performance of some of the most iconic pieces from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite. Arranged by Nicolas Economou, audiences will enjoy the Overture before being transported to the magical Land of Sweets and sharing in an enchanting celebration of sweets from around the world.
This will include performances of the Danse de la Fée Dragée (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy), Danse Russe Trépak (Russian dancers celebrating candy canes), Danse Arab (Arabian Dancers celebrating coffee), Danse Chinoise (Chinese dancers celebrating tea) and the Danse des Mirlitons (French Mirliton players celebrating marzipan), before culminating in a rousing performance of Valse des Fleurs (Waltz of the Flowers).
This will be followed by Yannoula and Jablonski’s performance of Fêtes from Nocturnes by Debussy (arranged by Ravel) and Lutoslawski’s utterly thrilling Paganini Variations.
The energetic celebration of this powerful instrument will follow performances from the finalists of the renowned Pendine International Voice of the Future Competition, which aims to advance the career of young singers. The talented finalists will entice the audience with breathtaking vocal performances as they compete for the prestigious title and a share of the £10,000 prize fund, which is generously supported by Pendine Park and the Bryn Terfel Foundation for the second year in a row.
Vicky Yannoula, Music Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “To be both celebrating my first ever International Eisteddfod and be performing in the pavilion alongside the incredibly talented Peter Jablonski is a thrill and an honour.
“The Classical Collection concert is set to be an uplifting celebration of both voice and piano, so it is fitting that we choose World Piano Day to reveal our repertoire for the piano-led segment of the evening.
“Each year World Piano Day is celebrated on the 88th day of the year – reflecting the total number of white and black keys on the instrument. It is the perfect way to promote piano-related projects and celebrate the centuries-old joy of both playing and listening to this grand instrument.
“Our repertoire celebrates a wide range of well-known pieces that are in tune with the festival’s celebration of international culture. We hope that this summer’s performance will stimulate people’s passion for the piano and truly delight and inspire our audience.”
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year runs from Tuesday 3rd July to Sunday 8th July 2018. As well as a series of evening concerts featuring Alfie Boe, Van Morrison and Kaiser Chiefs, The Hoosiers and Toploader, there will also be live performances from competitors, emerging bands, musicians and street performers from across the globe, as well as activities to entertain the children and food, drink and local craft stalls.
For more information or to book tickets click here or contact the box office on 01978 862001. For regular news and updates about the festival follow us on Twitter @llangollen_Eist or like our Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
