The 8th season of the Great Artists Series commenced with an unforgettable performance by flutist Emmanuel Pahud and pianist Alessio Bax on January 23, 2025. Held at Washington University’s 560 Music Center, the concert captivated the audience, setting a high standard for the season’s subsequent events.
Emmanuel Pahud, celebrated as “one of today’s most dazzling interpreters of the 20th-century flute repertoire” (BBC Music Magazine), has consistently demonstrated exceptional artistry throughout his career. His collaborations with esteemed pianists, including Eric Le Sage, Yefim Bronfman, and Hélène Grimaud, have further solidified his reputation in the classical music world.
Alessio Bax, described by Gramophone as “among the most remarkable young pianists now before the public,” brought his signature lyricism and technical prowess to the performance. His accolades include First Prize wins at both the 2000 Leeds International Piano Competition and the 1997 Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, establishing him as a prominent figure on the international stage.
The evening’s program showcased a diverse selection of works, beginning with Pahud’s arrangements of Mozart’s Violin Sonata No. 21 in E minor, K. 304. This was followed by Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, Op. 22, and J.S. Bach’s Flute Sonata in B minor, BWV 1030. The duo’s performance was marked by seamless synergy and profound musicality, leaving the audience in awe.
Following this remarkable opening, the Great Artists Series continued on February 2, 2025, with a solo recital by the distinguished pianist Sir Stephen Hough. A recipient of the MacArthur “genius award,” Hough is renowned for his exceptional technical skill and insightful interpretations. His program featured masterworks by Chopin and Liszt, as well as miniatures by Cécile Chaminade and a world premiere of his own composition.
In an interview, Hough reflected on his multifaceted career, discussing his recent works, including “The World of Yesterday,” a piano concerto inspired by Stefan Zweig’s memoir of pre-First World War Vienna. He also highlighted his latest major work, “Les Noces Rouges,” premiered with the Viano String Quartet in New York, inspired by a vignette from Willa Cather’s “My Antonia.”
The Great Artists Series’ 2025 lineup also includes celebrated violinist Karen Gomyo with pianist Orion Weiss on February 16, Grammy Award-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman on March 2, and star tenor Lawrence Brownlee on March 23. The series will conclude on April 6 with Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ & the Blood Moon Orchestra, a chamber ensemble featuring traditional Vietnamese instruments.
The inaugural performance by Pahud and Bax has undoubtedly set a high bar for the season. Their mesmerizing artistry left the audience breathless, marking an incredible start to the upcoming series of performances. As the season progresses, audiences can look forward to more exceptional concerts that celebrate the richness and diversity of classical music.
