French Pianist Alexandre Tharaud makes his SF Symphony debut

Renowned French pianist Alexandre Tharaud makes his San Francisco Symphony debut in the world premiere of Nico Muhly’s Piano Concerto, inspired by French Baroque heavyweights François Couperin and Jean-Philippe Rameau.

Alexandre Tharaud will be performing with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen on Friday and Saturday, September 27 & 28 at 7:30pm at Davies Symphony Hall.

Also on the program are three seldom-heard works that time-hop between eras: Paul Hindemith’s Ragtime, based on a theme from J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in C minor orchestrated by Edward Elgar, and Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, a symphonic portrait of the early 16th-century painter Mathias Grünewald, whose struggle against oppression inspired Hindemith as he witnessed the rise of the Nazi regime.

Alexandre Tharaud, a prominent figure in the world of classical music, has built a 25-year career as a leading French pianist with a vast discography of over 25 solo albums, featuring a wide range of repertoire from Baroque to 20th-century French composers. His versatility extends beyond classical music, with collaborations in theatre, dance, film, and other genres. Tharaud is a sought-after soloist, performing with top international orchestras and in prestigious concert halls around the world. An exclusive Erato Records artist, his recent albums include tributes to French court composers and Beethoven’s final sonatas. He has also authored two books and appeared in Michael Haneke’s film Amour.

“Cool, supple and elegant, all his performances are in the best French tradition; a fine union of sense and sensibility … each phrase bringing a renewed sense of delight … the inwardness and grace one associates with true artists”. Gramophone magazine

A preconcert talk with composer Nico Muhly, moderated by Benjamin Pesetsky, will be presented from the stage. Free to all ticketholders.

Follow Alexandre Tharaud‘s journey by visiting his website here