Vicky Chow returns with more Philip Glass Piano Études at the Anvil Theatre on November 23
Pianist’s performances of the works have received high praise, including from the composer himself
Vicky Chow.
Anvil Theatre presents Vicky Chow on November 23 at 7:30 pm
WERE YOU ONE of the poor souls unable to snag a ticket to pianist Vicky Chow’s sensational performance of Philip Glass’s Études Book 2 last May with Music on Main? All is not lost! Mark your calendars for November 23, when Chow returns from her Brooklyn home to perform another concert of Glass études, this time at New Westminster’s Anvil Theatre.
As the Vancouver-raised artist told Stir in advance of her Music on Main concert, Glass’s études have earned a beloved place in the modern classical canon. “I think the music is very accessible,” she said. “It’s very accessible for amateurs or younger musicians, but it also contains challenges for a professional pianist…I think that's why it's becoming really a staple in the piano canon. There's many people who play this music, just like many people play Chopin or Beethoven.”
And while many pianists have performed these works, few have the distinction, as Chow does, of having earned praise from the composer himself. “It's a highly dynamic and expressive performance. There's a certain energy that is uniquely hers,” Glass said of her recording of his Piano Éudes Book 1.
Not only that, but Chow has performed with the composer himself as part of the Bang on a Can All-Stars new-music ensemble, which gives her extra bonafides. And while this marks her third Glass études performance in three years in these parts, there’s no telling when, or if, she’ll be dropping by for a fourth, given that she’s in high demand around the world for her fearless embrace of contemporary music. Our advice? Whether or not you caught Chow’s last performance, grab a seat for this one while you still can.
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