Martha to make Australian debut
mainCharles Dutoit, who has been conducting the Sydney Symphony for 40 years, has convinced his ex-wife Martha Argerich to join him on next year’s long-haul flight. It’s her first time Down Under.
Sydney’s other piano stars next season include Daniil Trifonov and Hélène Grimaud. Looking good.
press release: TUESDAY 9 AUGUST 2016: The Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor and Artistic Director David Robertson have today announced their 2017 season, with offerings for every concert-goer, from classical music aficionados to lovers of new Australian music and those looking forward to their first orchestral experience.
David Robertson has again invited some of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists to perform with your SSO, including Argentinean pianist Martha Argerich – who is set to make her Australian debut – and Swiss conductor Charles Dutoit in a celebration of his 40-year relationship with the SSO. Pianists Hélène Grimaud and Daniil Trifonov, violinists Baiba Skride and Janine Jansen, singers John Relyea and Susan Graham, and conductors Simone Young and Vladimir Ashkenazy will also appear in the 2017 season.
I love Martha, but she has cancelled her Down Under debut at least twice in the two decades I have lived in Sydney. Both times were to be with SSO under Dutoit. The first time, promotors guaranteed that Martha had never cancelled with Dutoit. In the end, I had to book tickets for concerts at Royal Albert Hall and South Bank Centre, and a duet recital with Nelson Frere in Salzburg to finally get to see her. I will never forget her electrifying La Valse with Frere. While it is great for another attempt to see her finally playing at the Sydney Opera House, I won’t be holding my breath. Frere’s upcoming concerto and recital engagements in Sydney later this year, however, will be amazing.
Still not enough to get me into SOH these days.
“Long haul” flight, you say? Well, there is such a thing as a stop-over!!! I’ve done the Sydney to Vienna or Zurich run 3 times in the last 7 years, only changing planes in a 2-3 hour break at Dubai. Gruelling but do-able – and I hate flying. However, the Dallas to Sydney leg is the longest in the world.
Her best performances have always been the ones with her beloved theremin (photo).
Bravo.
But…but…will she really appear? Miss Cancellation hás a certain reputation concerning appointments you know….
Yuju wang was a fantastic substitute for Martha. Give me yuju wang any time over the temperamental Martha