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Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Through elegant musicality and an insightful approach to contemporary and established repertoire , Jean-Yves Thibaudet has earned a reputation as one of the world ’ s finest pianists . He is especially known for his diverse interests beyond the classical world , including numerous collaborations in film , fashion , and visual art . A recording powerhouse , Thibaudet appears on more than 70 albums and six film scores . He is a devoted educator , and is the first-ever Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School , which awards several scholarships in his name .
Thibaudet appears as soloist in seven compositions this season , performed with 19 orchestras : Gershwin ’ s Concerto in F , Saint- Saëns ’ s Piano Concerto No . 5 , Khachaturian ’ s Piano Concerto , Ravel ’ s Concerto in G , Debussy ’ s Fantaisie , Messiaen ’ s Turangalîla- Symphonie , and Scriabin ’ s Prometheus . In addition to his orchestral dates , Thibaudet joins longtime collaborators Gautier Capuçon and Lisa Batiashvili for a trio tour of the United States . He also continues his multi-season
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focus on Debussy ’ s Préludes , performing both books in recitals throughout Europe . With Michael Feinstein , he continues the acclaimed program Two Pianos : Who Could Ask for Anything More ? this season , presenting works by Gershwin , Rodgers , and more in new arrangements for piano , voice , and orchestra .
Thibaudet records exclusively for Decca . His most recent solo album , 2021 ’ s Carte Blanche , features a collection of deeply personal solo piano pieces never before recorded by the pianist . Other highlights from Thibaudet ’ s catalog include a 2017 recording of Bernstein ’ s “ Age of Anxiety ,” recordings of the complete solo piano music of Debussy and Satie , and Grammy-nominated recordings of Ravel ’ s complete solo piano works and Saint-Saëns ’ s Piano Concerti Nos . 2 & 5 . He is the soloist on Wes Anderson ’ s The French Dispatch ; his playing can also be heard in Pride and Prejudice , Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close , Wakefield , and the Oscar-winning and critically acclaimed film Atonement . His concert wardrobe is designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood .
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Jean-Yves Thibaudet |
E . Caren |
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From the Podium |
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by Jonathon Heyward |
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This program shares a common musical lineage — that of America . It ’ s a through line that allows us to reflect upon the American life from a variety of perspectives , and moreover to connect voices across more than a century of musical life . It is a privilege to begin our journey with the music of Baltimore ’ s own James Lee III , particularly as we eagerly anticipate his arrival as Composer-in- Residence next season . Amer ’ ican , Lee ’ s response to the America-inspired Ninth Symphony by Antonín Dvořák , draws on African American and Native American musical influences , just as Dvořák did 130 years ago . The ability to hear a dialogue between the “ New World ” Symphony , a powerhouse that we all know and love , |
and the work of a living African American composer weaves a potent narrative .
It is also with great pleasure that I join pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet for Gershwin ’ s enigmatic Piano Concerto . Thibaudet was one of the very first pianists I ever heard live in my hometown of Charleston , SC , a performance that left an indelible mark on me . Even as a high schooler , I was wowed by his artistry and his immense ability to impart a sense of freedom within every interpretation that he makes — a necessary quality for Gershwin ’ s unique , trademark sound . Through this music we encounter the alluring diversity of the American soundscape : the melodies of Duke Ellington , the harmonies of early John
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Coltrane , as well as the vast orchestration — almost a big band feel — that elicits Aaron Copland .
As I step on to the podium during my first month as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ’ s Music Director , I can think of no better way to conclude the program than with Dvořák ’ s “ New World ” Symphony . It ’ s a cherished orchestral warhorse , but also one that elicits freshness , liveliness , and a great sense of hope — all things that reflect my artistic vision as I move forward in partnership with the BSO . Just as Dvořák arrived in America from his native Czechoslovakia to embrace the vibrant and varied musical landscape of his new home , we too take a step forward into a new world this season .
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