Discover the Boundless Brilliance of Pianist Ilya Yakushev, Back by Popular Demand

PORTLAND, OR  -- Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking artistry of Ilya Yakushev, whose performances combine a rare blend of firebrand energy and profound sensitivity. Taking the stage at Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland State University, on Sunday, March 23, at 4:00 PM, Yakushev brings an unmistakable charisma that sets him apart from his peers. Back by popular demand, his ability to channel raw emotion through a crystalline technique transforms each performance into a deeply personal narrative, redefining what it means to connect with an audience. Yakushev’s recital promises not just a display of virtuosity, but an intimate encounter with the profound power of music itself.

Yakushev’s recital program is a celebration of iconic masterpieces that showcase his range and depth. Each piece offers a unique window into the human spirit, blending introspection with electrifying virtuosity.

• Mozart, Fantasy in D Minor, K. 397 A work of mystery and dramatic intensity, Mozart’s Fantasy in D Minor unfolds like an impassioned soliloquy, its haunting melodies and sudden shifts evoking a sense of restless searching. Yakushev’s interpretation magnifies its contrasts—dark brooding passages dissolving into moments of celestial light—creating an experience that feels both spontaneous and deeply personal.

• Beethoven, Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, op. 13 (“Pathétique”) A landmark of Beethoven’s early period, the “Pathétique” Sonata is a profound meditation on resilience. Its stormy energy and moments of tender lyricism mirror the complexities of the human condition.

• Prokofiev, Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, op. 14 Bursting with audacious rhythms and lyrical brilliance, this sonata showcases Prokofiev’s youthful exuberance. Yakushev’s commanding presence brings out its intricate contrasts and dazzling vitality.

• Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition The recital’s grand finale, Mussorgsky’s masterpiece takes the audience on a vivid journey through a musical gallery. Each movement paints an evocative scene, from the majestic “Great Gate of Kiev” to the whimsical “Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks.”

Critics worldwide have lauded Yakushev for his passionate interpretations and magnetic stage presence. The American Record Guide hails him as “one of the very best young pianists before the public today.”

An Invitation to the Extraordinary

This concert is more than a performance; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the transformative power of live music. Whether you are a lifelong lover of classical music or experiencing these works for the first time, Yakushev’s artistry promises to inspire, uplift, and leave you in awe.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Ilya Yakushev’s artistry live in Portland.

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Ilya Yakushev’s programs for Portland Piano International are as follows:

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, AT 4 PM

Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland State University

“insistence, delight, a promenade”

MOZART

Fantasy in D Minor, K. 397 

BEETHOVEN

Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, op. 13, “Pathetique”

PROKOFIEV

Sonata No. 2, op. 14

MUSSORGSKY

Pictures at an Exhibition

Tickets and more information

Tickets for Dénes Várjon's Portland and Beaverton recitals are now available at portlandpiano.org, where other details, including the complete Main Recital Series season and program notes, are also available.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Eifert, 347.741.1913

jonathan.eifert@goldsoundmedia.com 

HIGH-RES PHOTOS [DOWNLOAD] 

PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL has presented more than 220 artists in recital and through outreach activities. Some of the greatest pianists in the world of music have played for Portland audiences because of this organization. While pianists have many opportunities to play the concerto repertoire, this is one of only a handful of recital series that remains devoted to the solo piano recital. Portland Piano International is a vital part of Portland's quality cultural life and it has consistently garnered praise from both the local and national media, heralded a "consistently brilliant Piano Recital Series" (Willamette Week) and "one of this city's musical treasures" (The Oregonian).