Snow Concert Hall, Red Hill September 2
Reviewed by Len Power
Lukáš Vondráček made his first public appearance at the age of four and h debuted with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2002 when he was 15. After finishing his studies at the Academy of Music and the Vienna conservatoire, he obtained an Artist Diploma from Boston’s New England Conservatory, graduating with Honours in 2012.
He was the winner in 2016 of the most reputable piano competition in the world – The Queen Elizabeth Piano Competition. Since then, he has enjoyed an extensive international career giving recitals and working with the major orchestras and conductors in the world.
Lukáš Vondráček at the piano
Next on the program was Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28 by the
Russian composer, Alexander Scriabin. This demanding work was an excellent
showcase for Vondráček whose playing gave it all the colour and emotion needed.
His playing of the stormy passages was breath-taking and the quieter passages
were given a notable sensitivity.
After interval, Lukáš Vondráček presented two works by Robert Schumann. In a short but warm address to the audience, he advised that Schumann was probably his favourite composer as his work was so true to life.
Lukáš Vondráček
The final work played was Schumann’s Arabesque in C major, Op. 18. Vondráček’s playing of this contemplative and beautiful work was a perfect end to a superb recital that showed why he is considered one of the major pianists of today.
This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 3 September 2024.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.
