On March 2 at 4:00 PM, the Kapucijnenkerkje in Oostende welcomes an exceptional musical duo: violinist Karen Su and pianist Ruben Plazier. This recital, part of the concert series Recital op Zondag, promises an afternoon full of emotion, virtuosity and refinement. The concert takes place in an intimate setting, where the warm acoustics of the historic chapel naturally enhance the sounds.
A world-class violin talent
Karen Su, laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition for violin 2024, is a name to remember. This Los Angeles-born violinist knows how to move her audience time and again with her captivating and expressive playing. At a young age she began her studies at Rotterdam Conservatoire, where she was admitted at fifteen and graduated with the highest distinction. Her musical journey subsequently took her to the prestigious Muziekkapel Koningin Elisabeth, where under the wing of Augustin Dumay she further honed her talent. Karen Su has made a name for herself on international music stages. She won numerous awards, including distinctions at the Queen Elisabeth Competition and the Wieniawski Competition. She has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Belgisch Nationaal Orkest and Sinfonia Rotterdam and enchanted audiences in concert halls such as the Concertgebouw and TivoliVredenburg. Karen is also active in chamber music, often together with pianist Ruben Plazier. Karen plays an extremely rare Nicolo Gagliano violin from 1747, an instrument made available to her by an anonymous benefactor.The poetic sounds of Ruben Plazier
Pianist Ruben Plazier, from Delft, is a versatile musician with a deep passion for chamber music. At age fourteen he began his studies at Rotterdam Conservatoire, after which he continued his studies in Paris at the École Normale de Musique with Jean-Bernard Pommier. Here he obtained multiple prestigious diplomas and refined his interpretative finesse. Plazier has built an impressive international career. He has performed in leading halls such as Concertgebouw Amsterdam, the Doelen Rotterdam, Salle Cortot in Paris and the Rudolfinum in Prague. His philosophy about music was strongly influenced by an experience in Trieste, where a deeply moved listener thanked him in tears after a concert for his performance of Grieg's third violin sonata. This moment confirmed his conviction that music has the power to deeply move audiences. As founder of Experience Klassiek, Ruben Plazier brings classical music closer to audiences in a unique way. He combines concert performances with stories about the music and its context, allowing the listener to experience a deeper connection with the compositions. In addition, he teaches at the Experience Klassiek Academy, where he guides young talents on their musical journey.A program full of passion and lyricism
During the recital in Oostende, Karen Su and Ruben Plazier will present a captivating program with works by three masters:- Edvard Grieg - Violin Sonata No. 3: A sonata full of Norwegian lyricism and dramatic contrasts.
- Antonio Vitali - Chaconne: A baroque jewel, rich in harmonic layering and emotional intensity.
- César Franck - Sonata for Violin and Piano: One of the most beloved sonatas in the violin repertoire, steeped in romantic warmth and poetic expression.