“Her precise and very fine touch characterised the entire evening in the most exhilarating way, with sparkling runs and striking bass lines flowing from her fingers with such effortless ease that humour was always peeking around the corner.” - Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

Mariam Batsashvili, one of the most compelling pianists of the young generation, is renowned for her dazzling artistry, profound interpretations and touching musicality. Winner of the 2014 Utrecht Franz Liszt Piano Competition, Batsashvili has attracted international attention for her emotionally engaging and captivating playing.

The concert will feature Batsashvili's recital programme, which combines beauty of sound, virtuosity and drama, while respecting the great traditions of the piano tradition: the evening opens with Haydn's light and playful Sonata in D major, followed by Schubert's profound and atmospheric Impromptu in F minor. 

Liszt's Fantasia quasi Sonata or Dante Sonata takes the listener on a journey to heaven and hell in the Divine Play. Chopin's poetic and brilliant Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante enchants with its optimistic brilliance, and the concert will conclude with one of the most famous virtuoso pieces of all time, Liszt's iconic Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

Artistic director of the Mänttä Music Festival, Niklas Pokki, will give an introduction to the concert (in Finnish) in the Kivijärvi hall at 14.30. The concert ends approximately at 16.15.

Photo: Roland Breitschuh