Ukrainian classical pianist Illia Ovcharenko will open Cecilia Concerts’ 35th season on November 22 (rescheduled from its original September 16 date due to Hurricane Lee) with a program of works that includes Ukrainian composer Levko Revutsky.
Few blend precision with passion as effectively as this young rising star from Ukraine. – Jules Chamberlain
The top prize winner at the triennial Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary and the New York International Piano Competition in 2022, Ovcharenko continues to make a name for himself globally. Having performed with leading orchestras and music festivals worldwide, the Presidential Scholarship of Ukraine recipient is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Hannover, Germany.
“Few blend precision with passion as effectively as this young rising star from Ukraine,” says Cecilia Concerts’ chairperson, Jules Chamberlain. “In addition to recent performances across Europe and North America, including two sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall earlier this year, Illia has also secured victories in several international competitions.”
For his Halifax concert, the 21-year-old pianist will perform Domenico Scarlatti’s B-minor sonatas, the B-minor Sonata by Franz Liszt, Valentin Silvestrov’s Bagatelles, and the “Heroic” Polonaise by Frédéric Chopin. He will also perform several pieces by celebrated Ukrainian composer Levko Revutsky.
“Renowned for integrating traditional Ukrainian elements into his works, Revutsky’s compositions resonate like heartfelt postcards from Ukraine,” says Chamberlain.
Ovcharenko’s Halifax concert is presented as the opening program of Cecilia Concerts’ 35th season, which will include 25 concerts and several free offerings in its Sensory-Accessible Concerts series.
Visit ceciliaconcerts.ca for tickets and information.