Ilya Yakushev
Piano
SAT, APR 25, 2026 - 7:00PM
About this Performance
Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev, with prestigious awards and honors to his credit, continues to mesmerize audiences in major venues on three continents with his fiery technique and magnetic stage presence. He can be hard to pin down to one style or sound, and the press and audiences praise his artistry and versatility. American Record Guide wrote "Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the public today, and it doesn't seem to matter what repertoire he plays – it is all of the highest caliber". He has appeared with leading orchestras across the U.S. and internationally, bringing his captivating energy and virtuosic brilliance to every performance.
"Mr. Yakushev can just do about anything he wants." (New York Times)
"An exuberantly outsized performance... a winning blend of rapturous lyricism and dramatic flair." (San Jose Mercury News)
"Musical pyrotechnics reached stratospheric heights... Ilya Yakushev generated clouds of notes at a stunning rate, yet each run, cascade, torrent seemed perfectly articulated... with Yakushev fire-walking up and down the keyboard and ultimately yanking the audience to a standing, cheering ovation." (Telegram, Worcester, MA)
Performer Website: www.ilyayakushev.com/
Program
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight"
Franz Liszt (1811–1896)
Vallée d'Obermann
Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Nocturne No. 20 in C-sharp minor, Op. posth
Earl Wild (1915–2010)
Grande Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess
An exuberantly outsized performance... a winning blend of rapturous lyricism and dramatic flair.
San Jose Mercury News
