Dénes Várjon’s "poetic vision" to return to Portland Piano International with recitals in Portland & Beaverton, January 12 & 14
PORTLAND, OR — Dénes Várjon, the acclaimed Hungarian pianist, is set to make his eagerly awaited return to Portland Piano International (PPI) this January. As part of PPI’s 2024/2025 Main Recital Series, Várjon will perform two recitals: January 12 at Portland State University’s Lincoln Performance Hall and January 14 at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton.
Várjon presents a glowing program of music that will provide the listener with much-needed distance from these turbulent times. His collection of Chopin etudes, nocturnes, and fantasies is a potent reminder of the beauty that this world has to offer. The Vallée d'Obermann by Franz Liszt takes the audience on a journey that allows the listener to reflect on their dreams, desires, and the importance of nature. The late works of Brahms lure the audience into his inner emotional world, inviting the individual to explore their souls. Clara Schumann described his Seven Fantasies as "a true source of enjoyment, everything, poetry, passion, rapture, intimacy, full of the most marvellous effects." Finally, Várjon shares his beloved Bartók's Dance Suite with the audience. There is no need to be intimidated by this 20th-century composer as he weaves in jovial folk dance themes from his homeland.
Dénes Várjon stands among the spectacular pianists of our time, having been recognized for his "compelling artistry superior to some of the starrier pianists who perform regularly on the main stage of Carnegie Hall" (New York Times). His artistry has led to collaborations with some of the most distinguished musicians and conductors worldwide. He has performed under esteemed conductors like Claudio Abbado, Sir Georg Solti, and Iván Fischer. He also received the Liszt Prize, one of Hungary's highest musical honors.
In his upcoming performances for PPI, Várjon will take the audience on an exhilarating journey through the emotive landscapes of Brahms, Bartók, Liszt, and Chopin.
Dénes Várjon's programs for Portland Piano International are as follows:
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, AT 4 PM
Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland State University
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, AT 7:30 PM
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton
"elegance, architecture, rapture"
JOHANNES BRAHMS
7 Fantasies, op. 116
BÉLA BARTÓK
Dance Suite, Sz. 77, BB. 86a
FRANZ LISZT
Vallée d'Obermann from Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160, no. 6
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN
Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor, op. 66
Nocturne in D-flat Major, op. 27, no. 2
Etude in A-flat Major, op. 25, no. 1
Etude in F Minor, op. 25, no. 2
Mazurka in B-flat Minor, op. 24, no. 4
Fantaisie in F Minor, op. 49
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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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).