Rudolf Firkušný Piano Festival 2024 announces its programme

“What was I most looking forward to? Everything! I’ve been waiting. It’s nice to be Czech again.” These are the words of Rudolf Firkušný, which he uttered upon his return home after 44 long years in exile and are the motto of this year’s festival. Between 2 and 9 November, the festival will present five piano recitals, which this year are linked by very unconventional concert formats. Ticket sales start today and early-bird discounts of 20% are available until 3 June.

The festival will be opened by Sir András Schiff with a programme, which he will announce as a surprise at the concert itself. “I find it much more spontaneous to announce the programme on the spot and present the works in person,” he explains. However, he revealed in advance that the programme will also include works by Czech composers. As part of his mentorship program, Schiff will present South Korean pianist Chloe Jiyeong Mun in a Nov. 3 concert featuring works by Chopin, Debussy, Haydn and Schubert. Alexander Melnikov‘s concert on 5 November promises a completely unique experience. Five instruments on one stage – from harpsichord to hammerklavier to modern piano – will take us on a musical journey through time: from Bach to Schnittke. Ivo Kahánek and his students will pay tribute to this year’s jubilarian Smetana with a concert on 7 November, playing his notorious works in unexpected arrangements for two, four and eight hands. The festival will end on 9 November with a concert with French charm both in the notes and behind the keys: the works of Debussy will be performed by one of the most famous interpreters of French music, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.