The Program

Holliger:  Elis, Three Nocturnes for Piano
Schumann:  Symphonic Etudes (inc. Etudes Op. post.)
Debussy:  Préludes, Book II

The Artist

Widely acclaimed as a key figure in the music of our time and as a uniquely significant interpreter of piano repertoire from every age, Pierre-Laurent Aimard enjoys an internationally celebrated career. Born in Lyon in 1957, Pierre-Laurent Aimard studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Yvonne Loriod and in London with Maria Curcio. Early career landmarks included winning first prize in the 1973 Messiaen Competition at the age of 16 and being appointed, three years later, by Pierre Boulez to become the Ensemble intercontemporain's first solo pianist. Highlights of his 2011-12 season included solo recitals in Berlin, London, New York, San Francisco, Paris and Tokyo. Pierre-Laurent now records exclusively for Deutsche Grammophon. His first DG release, Bach's Art of Fugue, received both the Diapason d'Or and Choc du Monde de la Musique awards and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's classical chart. Autumn 2011 saw the release of ‘The Liszt Project’ - Aimard’s two solo discs featuring the music of Liszt alongside the music of Berg, Bartok, Ravel, Scriabin and Messiaen as well as a work by Marco Stroppa. For more information on Pierre-Laurent Aimard, visit www.pierrelaurentaimard.com.