Emmanuel Despax

Pianist Emmanuel Despax has gained international recognition as an artist whose interpretations bring a rare sincerity and imagination to the music. "A formidable talent, fleet of finger, elegant of phrase and a true keyboard colourist." (Gramophone) Programme: Tonight is focused on the music of Liszt, ahead of a new album release. Liszt – Funérailles Liszt – Bénédiction de dieu dans la solitude (No. 7 and No. 3 from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses) Liszt – Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi Sonata (Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: No. 7) Liszt – Sonata in B minor A remarkable performer of romantic and post-romantic music, he has been invited to give recital performances in the UK (Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Chipping Campden and Petworth Festivals), as well as the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham where he was appointed artistic director, in 2020, of a complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle. Past engagements include performances across Europe and South America, plus two tours of New Zealand, where he was hailed by critics for his recitals in the prestigious Fazioli International Piano Series in Auckland and concerto performances with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. "Despax is awe-inspiring in his combination of virtuosity and intellectual grasp." (International Piano)