ICO: Beethoven with Bezuidenhout

THE Irish Chamber Orchestra embarks on a cycle of Beethoven’s amazing five piano concertos over the coming seasons.

“ These piano concertos are masterworks of a genre revolutionised by Beethoven. The first three demonstrate the rising star, the fourth a genius in the making and the fifth a real trailblazer. All five are equally virtuosic and vastly different in style.” says Charlotte Eglington of ICO.

“If you love Beethoven, relish the sound of one of Ireland’s most creative orchestras, and revel in superb piano-playing, join us and the brilliant Kristian Bezuidenhout in Limerick, Tralee, and Dublin on 20, 21 and 22 October.”

Born in South Africa in 1979, Bezuidenhout studied in Australia and lives in London. Renowned for his vivid and unforgettable performances, he is an expert in Beethoven’s music and has recorded all five of his piano concertos (Harmonia Mundi). “I strongly believe that we need to look at the Mozart and Beethoven piano concertos through the lens of this type of live-for-the-moment, mercurial approach; to treat the text like a blueprint, a springboard if you will,” says Bezuidenhout.

Bezuidenhout will be directing these concertos from the keyboard without a conductor, promising our audiences an unmissable experience. He offers spontaneity and a whole new perspective on Beethoven’s music!

Beethoven Piano Concertos Nos.1 & 3 with Kristian Bezuidenhout Director/Piano and the Irish Chamber Orchestra plays at University Concert Hall on Friday October 20.