In December 2024, Le Grand Manège in collaboration with Namur Concert Hall, Pianos Maene and IMEP brings a unique musical experience to Namur. With the recent acquisition of a Chris Maene Straight Strung Concert Grand and a Steinway piano, the concert hall is transformed into a stage where the pinnacle of piano music takes center stage. These instruments will shine in six special concerts, educational sessions and an exclusive piano review. For music lovers, this promises a series of discoveries that will close the year in a poetic way.
Program Overview
Monday 16 December 2024: IBERIA ALBENIZ – Burkard Spinnler At 8pm, the concert series begins with "Iberia," a masterpiece by Isaac Albéniz. This suite for solo piano evokes the atmosphere of Andalusia and the neighborhoods of Madrid and is regarded as the pinnacle of twentieth-century piano music. Debussy and Messiaen even considered this work a milestone. German pianist Burkard Spinnler, known for his virtuosic playing, brings these Spanish sounds to life in a way that will enchant every listener.
Tuesday 17 December 2024: Pierre Solot | Lecuona At 12pm, Pierre Solot performs an ode to Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, whose work is known for its daring and varied influences. Solot, known from Musiq3 and the Queen Elisabeth Competition, returns here as a performing artist. His warm and expressive style promises an unforgettable experience for afternoon lovers of Latin American piano sounds.
Wednesday 18 December 2024: La Classe de Piano and Dan Tepfer | BACH & NEW YORK JAZZ This day offers a double program. At 12pm, the piano students of IMEP showcase their talent in a special tribute to the grand concert pianos of the Grand Manège. In the evening at 8pm, New York pianist Dan Tepfer follows, who interprets J.S. Bach in a unique way. Tepfer brings Bach together with jazz, with improvisation at the center, thus creating a fascinating mix of classical and modern sounds.
Thursday 19 December 2024: Piano's Maene Revue with Frank Braley & Éric Le Sage At 7pm, Frank Braley and Éric Le Sage present a grand demonstration of pianos, with a showcase of historical and modern instruments, including the latest Steinway Spirio. This evening, in collaboration with Pianos Maene, offers a rare opportunity to experience craftsmanship and technological innovation in piano building up close.
Friday 20 December 2024: Schubert with Frank Braley, Éric Le Sage & Su Yeon Kim This evening at 7pm, Frank Braley and Éric Le Sage share the stage with Su Yeon Kim, semifinalist of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2021. Together they perform works by Schubert on the grand pianos of Le Grand Manège. Their refined interpretations and unique musical interactions promise an evening of enchanting romanticism and virtuosity.
Saturday 21 December 2024: Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto and Symphony no. 2 by Michel Lysight The closing concert on Saturday at 7pm brings the monumental Third Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninov, performed by Jean-Baptiste Fonlupt and the IMEP Symphony Orchestra. This work, which is known as one of the most challenging piano pieces, is followed by Symphony no. 2 by Michel Lysight, a powerful example of postmodern consonant music.
Educational Sessions and Piano Review
In addition to the concerts, educational sessions and a piano review are also offered. These are aimed at both younger music lovers and experienced pianists who want to learn more about the beautiful instruments and performances of this festival. Pianos Maene offers an in-depth look at the history and innovations in piano building.
Videos and Additional Information
During the concerts and educational sessions, video recordings will be made that will later be available online. This makes it possible for music lovers to relive these unique performances at any time.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience a diverse program in which classical and modern piano music meet and together build a bridge between different musical styles and periods. December at Le Grand Manège promises to be a month full of discoveries that every piano music lover should not miss!