Since 2000, the Horowitz Piano Series has been a fixture at Yale’s Morse Recital Hall, bringing some of the finest pianists from around the world to preserve the art of the piano recital—a genre that has become increasingly rare in today’s concert landscape.
Boris Berman, the artistic director of the Horowitz series, notes that the series is unique in the United States, being the only one entirely devoted to piano recitals. “There used to be a time when piano recitals were ubiquitous. They’ve since dwindled, and we hope to keep that tradition alive,” Berman explains.
For over two decades, the series has hosted some of the most renowned pianists in the world, including Radu Lupu, Murray Perahia, and Emanuel Ax. The series’ ability to attract such high-caliber artists can be attributed to the respected faculty and the strong reputation the series has built since its inception.
“We’re fortunate that I and some of my colleagues know many of these pianists personally. There’s mutual respect between us,” Berman adds.
The upcoming season will feature performances by faculty artists Wei-Yi Yang MUS ’04, Melvin Chen ’91, and Berman. Additionally, two esteemed guest pianists will take the stage: Hungarian virtuoso Dénes Várjon and the internationally acclaimed Yefim Bronfman.
Bronfman, one of the world’s most celebrated pianists, has been a sought-after performer at prestigious concert venues and festivals. His debut at Carnegie Hall in 1989 marked the beginning of a remarkable career, with audiences captivated by his lyrical style and technical brilliance.
The first concert of the year will take place on January 29, when Bronfman performs a diverse program featuring Mozart’s piano sonata, Debussy’s evocative Images, and Tchaikovsky’s Grand Piano Sonata in G Major, a piece that remains underperformed despite its historical significance. This same program will be presented at Carnegie Hall in New York in April.
Following Bronfman’s performance, Wei-Yi Yang will take the stage on February 12 with a recital dedicated to the works of French composer Maurice Ravel, celebrating the composer’s versatility. Yang’s program will showcase Ravel’s masterful blending of classical structures and impressionistic harmonies.
For pianist Lyndon Ji ’16 MUS ’29, a current student of Yang, the true treasure of the Horowitz Series lies in the faculty performances. “While the big names are sure to sell out the largest venues, they don’t always offer the most optimal acoustics,” Ji observes. “Morse Recital Hall provides the perfect balance between intimacy and resonant sound.”
Ji appreciates the faculty’s deep understanding of the hall, which, he believes, allows for more impactful performances. “It’s inspiring to see how the faculty, despite their teaching duties, perform at such a high level,” Ji says.
Ji recalls the first time he heard Yang perform as an undergraduate, a moment that profoundly influenced his connection to music. Yang, who joined Yale’s faculty in 2005, continues to approach these performances with pride, recognizing the lifelong impact music can have on listeners. “It’s a serious undertaking to perform in front of a familiar audience—students, colleagues, and local patrons who faithfully attend the series. I always strive to give my best,” Yang explains.
Yang’s upcoming program, chosen during a summer performance at a French music festival, will pay tribute to Ravel on his 150th anniversary. In preparation, Yang has been immersing himself in Ravel’s orchestral works, such as Daphnis et Chloé, and his vocal music, finding inspiration in the breadth of Ravel’s imagination and musical textures.
The recital will also be informed by Yang’s study of The Art of French Piano Music by Roy Howat, a resource that has guided his interpretation of French composers.
Later in February, Melvin Chen will present a recital, with the program to be announced. This will be followed by Dénes Várjon’s performance on April 16, featuring Bach’s first Partita, Beethoven’s late Sonata Op. 109, Brahms’ Seven Fantasien, Op. 116, and Bartók’s Dance Suite.
The season will conclude on May 7 with a performance by Berman, who had to reschedule a previous concert due to a finger injury. His program will include Schubert’s Impromptus, Op. 142, and several works by Debussy.
Subscriptions for the Horowitz Piano Series are available starting at $109, with discounts for faculty, staff, and students.
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