Observations on Zlata Chochieva’s recording of Chopin’s Etudes

At 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10th, 2019, pianist Zlata Chochieva will make her Vancouver recital debut with a programme of Chopin’s Etudes, Op. 25, as well as transcriptions and original works by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Her recording of Chopin Etudes was chosen as one of Gramophone magazine’s “50 Greatest Chopin Recordings”. I recently acquired this recording, and have been simply stunned by the inspiration, originality, musicality, as well as a breathtaking effortlessness of her playing. In an age where good piano technique is almost taken for granted, we forget how incredibly difficult Chopin’s Etudes are, and how they truly revolutionized piano playing forever. Listening to Chochieva’s recording, I found her playing so captivating that I had forgotten that the superhuman technical hurdles Chopin posed in these pieces. In other words, her performance of these works towered above technical concerns.

Do not miss this important debut by a most original and stunningly talented young artist.

Copies of Zlata Chochieva’s recordings will be available for purchase. The artist will be on hand after the performance to sign copies of her CDs.

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Return of Kevin Kenner

Also in the month of November (Sunday the 24th, also at 3:00 p.m.), The Vancouver Chopin Society presents award winning pianist and seasoned musician Kevin Kenner in recital, with a programme of works by Haydn, Schumann, Chopin and Paderewski. While Ignacy Jan Paderewski was arguably the most famous pianist in the 20th century, a true example of artist-as-hero, we have forgotten that he was also a prolific composer of symphonic and operatic works, as well as many large and small works for the piano. Kevin Kenner’s recent recording of solo piano works by Paderewski received a highly positive notice in Gramophone magazine.
Click here to read programme notes in Kenner's words.

Come and be moved by the mature artistry of this outstanding musician and pianist. Ever since his success at both the Chopin and Tchaikovsky competitions (1990), Kenner has been maintaining an active concert and recording schedule.

Remember that subscribers to our season as well as ticket holders to Kevin Kenner’s recital will have a chance to win a trip to Warsaw to attend the Finals of the 2020 International Chopin Competition.

Tickets for the 2020 Chopin Competition were made available for purchase on October 1st, and were sold out within several hours! If you are still interested in attending the competition, this may be one chance to will have to obtain a ticket for the event.

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Speaking of Chopin...

We received a notice from the Richmond branch of the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers Association, about an extended workshop by Edwin Gnandt. The pianist and author will explore topics from his most recent books – “Understanding Chopin Piano Style” and “The Soul of the Music: Gifts from the Golden Age of the Piano”.

The lecture takes place on November 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army – Richmond Community Church, 8280 Gilbert Road, Richmond.

Edwin Gnandt is an active performer, lecturer and writer, and has conducted extensive research into the mind and music of Chopin. There will be copies of his books available for purchase.

Cost for non-branch members is $20 at the door. To RSVP, and for more information, please contact Victoria Warfield at president@bcrmta.com or Ildiko Skeldon at mailto.mypianostudio1@gmail.com