April 3, 2008
Irish pianist teaches, performs at UW
The UW School of Music will present a Celebration of Beethoven with Irish Pianist John O’Conor at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in Meany Theater. O’Conor, who is internationally renowned for his poetic interpretations of Beethoven’s sonatas, presents an all-Beethoven recital: The Pathetique, Waldstein, and Moonlight sonatas, and The Bagatelles, Op. 126.
After initial studies in his native Dublin, O’Conor spent five years in Vienna studying with the renowned pedagogue Dieter Weber, winning first prize at the Beethoven International Piano Competition in Vienna in 1973, and making a special study of Beethoven with the legendary German pianist Wilhelm Kempff.
Since then, he has toured the world in recital and concerto appearances, has become a frequent visitor to Europe, the United States, Japan and Korea, and has played with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras,
O’Conor is deeply committed to the development of young pianists in Ireland and in other countries. Besides being professor of piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, he gives master classes and lectures in many of the places he performs. His UW concert is the capstone of a brief residency, which includes a program, “Beethoven: Insights and Inspiration,” to be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5 in Brechemin Auditorium.
O’Conor will lead a panel discussion which includes UW faculty artists Craig Sheppard and Stephen Rumph and visiting artist Michelle Fillion of the University of Victoria. He will also present a master class for select high school pianists. As a finale, UW piano students will perform movements of Beethoven sonatas. The day’s activities are free and open to the public.
Tickets for the Tuesday concert are $20, $15 for students and seniors. They are available at the Arts Ticket Office, 206-543-4880, or online at www.meany.org.
