ANTICIPATION is building for the return of South African-Australian pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout, who joins the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 4. Catch this unmissable collaboration at University Concert Hall, Limerick (June 19), Siamsa Tíre, Tralee (June 20), and The Whyte Recital Hall, Dublin (June 21).
Renowned for his masterful, historically informed performances, Bezuidenhout brings clarity, elegance, and emotional insight to Beethoven’s work. His interpretations are captivating, giving audiences a fresh perspective on these enduring masterworks.
In the buoyant and youthful Concerto No. 2, Bezuidenhout highlights Beethoven’s early brilliance, while No. 4, written during a time of personal upheaval, emerges as a deeply lyrical and introspective journey in his hands.
This marks Kristian’s second Beethoven appearance with ICO, returning next year to complete the cycle with the mighty Concerto No. 5. His expressive artistry breathes new life into these iconic works, drawing audiences closer to how they may have originally sounded in Beethoven’s time.
As ICO’s Associate Artist, Bezuidenhout is a natural fit for the orchestra’s dynamic and adventurous spirit. ICO is a bold, vibrant presence in the Irish and international music scene, celebrated for its fearless creativity and genre-defying collaborations. From DJs to dancers, opera to theatre, ICO fuses tradition with innovation, creating performances that are immersive, alive, and uniquely their own.
Irish Chamber Orchestra Kristian Bezuidenhout Director/Piano. Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 36; Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60
