Maria João Pires comes out of retirement

She slammed down the lid not many months ago, saying she never had a good relationship with the piano, and she just wanted to get free.

A year later, she’s back:

In partnership with pianist Maria João Pires, the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival presents her collaborative, interdisciplinary Partitura Project to be held in spring 2020.

In reaction to the hyper-competitiveness of today’s classical music world, Ms. Pires launched the Partitura Project in 2014 to promote cooperation and social engagement among pianists. Workshops have been held in countries across Europe – including Portugal, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Croatia—as well as in Japan.

Ms. Pires says: ‘I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to give this workshop at The Gilmore. In my view, the United States has for many years represented a culture where creative diversity and the pursuit of new paths are embraced. With the Partitura Project in collaboration with my colleague Milos, we have created a different approach to teaching that more fully involves everyone—engaging each participant with respect, understanding, and attention, and helping them form a richer relationship with the music and its sources. I am hoping for a great experience in which everyone can develop their talent and deepen their love for music.’