Pianist, 16, jumps in for deceased star
NewsThe Georgian pianist Alexander Toradze was supposed to be playing Prokofiev’s 3rd concerto at the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra but died unexpectedly last week.
A girl of 16, Harmony Zhu, stepped in at 24 hours’ notice.
A person present tells Slippedisc.com: ‘I was in the audience and our jaws dropped when we heard Zhu’s incredible sensitivity and maturity as well as dazzling flawless technique. Zhu brought the house down with a long standing ovation.’
Here’s Harmony in a recent recital:
Harmony plays Melodie. Nice.
Just as well the name Harmony appears to suit her.
I heard A.Toradze when he was 16. He played Prokofiev 7sonata. Matured and accomplished.
I cannot imagine anyone stepping in with Prokofiev 3 within just 24 hours. And she seems to be a chess champion too.
I couldn’t find a video of her playing the Prokofiev, but her Beethoven 2 with the Israel Philharmonic when she was 12 was astounding.
https://youtu.be/1x61Z3rR5cI
Thanks for sharing. This is my new favorite interpretation of this concerto.
I first saw this young lady with the Philadelphia Orchestra in a season opening concert five or six years ago. I was speechless. She is the real deal. I have followed her career ever since and it looks like she is really going places.
Thanks for keeping us updated, Norman. Just found this of her playing Rach 2 at 13, a truly remarkable artist already.
https://youtu.be/CIu7HIm-qis
The Illinois audience was in for quite a treat!
Wow, what a breathtaking performance! How remarkable.
Congrats to her. She stepped in at very short notice – on May 12 the orchestra still had to announce the replacement for the concert on May 14.