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Siwan Rhys looking at the inside of a piano
View all events for category: Classical music

Siwan Rhys: Ustvolskaya Solo Piano Works

Siwan Rhys approaches the physical limits of piano-playing in Galina Ustvolskaya’s hurtling, ferocious outpouring of frustration and resistance.

There aren’t many piano compositions which leave the hands and arms of the pianist bruised.

It’s also not every day that a pianist has to make sense of a score which contains passages marked ‘very, very, very loud’, followed by ‘very, very, very, very loud’.

But pain and discomfort are woven into the music itself in Ustvolskaya’s compositions, which represent a violent expression of anger at the oppressive system of the Soviet Union she grew up in.

Siwan Rhys leads us through a journey of physical extremes, requiring true pianistic skill and endurance.

Performers

Siwan Rhys piano

Repertoire

Ustvolskaya: Piano Sonata No.4 in 4 parts

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 7+

For your visit

This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre

The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.