WORLD PREMIERE OF FRANCESCO TRISTANO’S PIANO CONCERTO AT THE GEWANDHAUS LEIPZIG

Francesco Tristano premieres his Piano Concerto, Island Nation on 5 March with MDR Sinfonieorchester under the baton of Kristjan Järvi.

The performance opens the Masks Festival at the Gewandhaus Leipzig and the concert also features works by Berlioz, Respighi and Poulenc (with pianist Stefano Bollani). Later that evening after the main concert, Francesco performs a late night electronic live set in the lounge of the Gewandhaus.

Francesco Tristano is an artist of many talents: pianist, composer, DJ, techno and jazz musician who combines eras, genres and styles in his music. Almost everything he does illustrates his refusal to accept borders and limits in music, he knows the conventions that have shaped generations of classical pianists — and has chosen to side step them.

Francesco has become a key reference in a new movement which explores the creative intersection between classical and electronic music, homogenising it in a natural way which unites audiences from various worlds into his own universe. He is always bringing something new, as the New York Times describes, ​“Francesco Tristano had rhythmic bite and color galore, while bringing engaging impetuosity to the music”.

Recent compositions by Francesco include A Soft Shell Groove as well as various cleverly modernised versions of works by Stravinksy and Ravel — all of which are critically acclaimed. Following his Queen Elizabeth Hall performances, The Guardian described his works as: ​“Tristano’s own, very skilful, very witty two-piano version of Boléro, which drives to its climax in a wild torrent of clusters and glissandi, and the composer’s own arrangement of La Valse, … [becomes a sort] of demonic music, perfectly fitted to [the interpretation]”.

As well as premieres of his classical recitals, symphonic and chamber orchestra compositions, Francesco’s upcoming projects include ​‘Goldberg City’ — Bach’s Goldberg Variations linked to an urbanisation visual theme — a classical to electronic recital, and ​‘p:ianorig’ — a pioneering design rig for his electronic projects in collaboration with Derrick May and Transmat records in the 2016/17 season.

To date Francesco has released 12 albums via Deutsche Grammophon, Universal and Get Physical (cult electronic label). He is planning a new release of ​‘p:ianorig’ in 2016 as well as a classical/​electronic project in 2017.

Recent and upcoming engagements (recitals and orchestral) include — Théâtre du Châtelet, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Orchestra national de Lille, Orquesta Nacional de España, a residency with the Manchester Camerata, Audi Sommerkonzerte, hr-Sinfonieorchester, Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, La Folle Journée, Sónar, Arsenal Metz, Sala São Paulo, Cervantino Festival in Mexico and Auditorio Nacional de Música Madrid as well as tours to China and Japan.