Pianist Rafal Blechacz returns to the College Concert Series

Publication Date

Pianist Rafal Blechacz returns to the Union College Concert Series in Memorial Chapel on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3:00 p.m.

The renowned Polish pianist returns to Union after his debut in 2012, when the esteemed committee of the Gilmore Artist Award assessed and eventually awarded him the prestigious award in 2014 (likened to a MacArthur Award for pianists). Dan Gustin, Director of The Gilmore, will be in attendance. Blechacz offers a program centering on the composer most identified with his homeland – Chopin – including his E-major Nocturne, Op. 62, No. 2; Waltzes, Op. 64; Mazurkas, Op. 56; and Polonaise in F-sharp Minor, Op. 44; along with Bach’s Italian Concerto and Beethoven’s classic Pathétique Sonata.

In 2005, Rafal Blechacz was the uncontested winner of the 15th Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition (there was no second place awarded). He has performed in London’s Wigmore Hall, Berlin’s Philharmonie, Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Zurich’s Tonhalle, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Paris’ Salle Pleyel, and New York’s Avery Fisher Hall. Mr. Blechacz has an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon. In February 2014, he won the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, bringing him further international fame.

The 2014-2015 season sees Blechacz as soloist with the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra with Sir Trevor Pinnock. He is soloist with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta on tour with concerts in Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In recital, he can be heard in London’s Wigmore Hall, Cambridge University, and in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Vienna. In North America, he makes his debut at Carnegie Hall, and appears in San Francisco, Toronto, Houston, and other cities.

Individual tickets are $25 or $10 for students. Subscription packages offer significant savings. For information, call (518) 388-6080 or click here.