Recital Series Haochen Zhang

Upon winning the gold medal at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, Haochen Zhang has become an international star captivating audiences around the world. The acclaimed pianist from Shanghai performs in a unique recital showcasing the fearless imagination and spectacular musical mastery for which he is known.

All-Beethoven

Following his latest release of Beethoven’s five concertos with the Philadelphia Orchestra which was met with widespread critical acclaim, Haochen Zhang has been hailed for his “dazzling technique, gorgeous tone and penetrating, spontaneous musicality.”

His Abu Dhabi Festival solo recital debut will see the Gold Medalist of the thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition present a programme of some of Beethoven’s most celebrated sonatas, namely No. 29, 30 and 32. Written between 1818 and 1822, the last piano sonatas are considered a milestone in piano literature and mark the influential composer’s departure from conventional form.  Beethoven’s final contributions are revered for their intrinsic qualities and complexity. In fact, No. 29 was deemed to be Beethoven’s most difficult sonata at the time, considered unplayable until almost 15 years later, when Liszt, whose own work was greatly influenced by the late sonatas, played it in a concert.

Haochen Zhang closes his solo recital with a brilliant rendition of sonata n.32, considered by experts to be the greatest, thus concluding the virtuoso pianist’s breathtaking performance.

 

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op.111

Hoachen Zhang piano

Presented by Abu Dhabi Festival
The Blue Hall 
The Arts Center at  NYU Abu Dhabi
16 March 2023

About the artist 

Since his gold medal win at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, Haochen Zhang has captivated audiences in the United States, Europe, and Asia with a unique combination of deep musical sensitivity, fearless imagination, and spectacular virtuosity. In 2017, Haochen received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes talented musicians with the potential for a major career in music. 

 

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