The International Piano Festival brought together piano students and enthusiasts to revel in the talents and teaching of three great artists.
Founded in 1984 by American classical pianist and Cullen distinguished professor Abbey Simon, the International Piano Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary with pianists Inon Barnatan and Larissa Dedova.
Simon opened the festival Friday night with a breathtaking recital at the Moores Opera House, reflecting his stamina and passion for music. Simon performed pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Maurice Ravel and Sergei Prokofiev.
The accomplished and regarded pianist and professor, who turned 91 years old last month, has been a faculty member of the Moores School of Music since 1977 and is one of the most recorded classical artists of all time.
An audience of students, faculty members and the music community all gathered to listen and praise the wonderful Simon.
Piano performance sophomore Jack McLaughlin called Simon’s performance “spectacular.”
“Something about Abbey Simon — just the sounds he’s able to create with the piano — has always been amazing,” McLaughlin said.
“It’s evident of the years and years he’s been playing.”
Dedova, music professor at the University of Maryland, gave master classes at the Dudley Recital Hall on Saturday.
Dedova was impressed and had nothing but good things to say when asked about her visit to the Moores School of Music.
“So far I like it very much, it’s a great school,” Dedova said.
On Saturday evening, Barnatan performed “Darkness Visible,” his second and highly praised solo recording.
The Israeli-born pianist has rapidly gained international recognition for his engaging and communicative performances, pairing insightful interpretation with impeccable technique. Like Simon, Barnatan began playing piano at 3 years old after his parents discovered he had perfect pitch.
Barnatan’s recital consisted of pieces by Claude Debussy, Benjamin Britten and Ronald Stephenson, Thomas Adès, Maurice Ravel and Robert Schumann. “Darkness Visible” reflects an awareness of what lies beneath, an examination of different characteristics that are represented in the music.
Barnatan captured the audience with his fantastic piano styling in a musically and visually mesmerizing performance that was followed by master classes held Sunday afternoon for students.
Dedova closed the festival Sunday with an enchanting recital, performing pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frédéric Chopin and Debussy.
Dedova has appeared in solo and chamber recitals in concert halls throughout the world for more than 30 years. She has appeared as a festival artist for numerous music festivals, including the International Piano Festival and White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Dedova said she was thrilled to be invited to this year’s festival because a great deal can be taken away from such musical gatherings.
“The environment and the purpose of any festival is actually to meet with people and just share what you know, what you love, with as many people as possible,” Dedova said.