As the Colorado Symphony prepares for another unforgettable season, we are thrilled to welcome the world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet to the stage of Boettcher Concert Hall. On September 13-15, 2024, Thibaudet will grace us with his extraordinary talent, performing Gershwin’s Concerto in F. This performance promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing Thibaudet’s unique ability to blend technical mastery with profound emotion.
Thibaudet is no stranger to the world’s most prestigious concert halls. With a decorated career spanning over three decades, he has captivated audiences around the globe with his exquisite artistry and unparalleled elegance at the piano. Born in Lyon, France, Thibaudet began playing the piano at the age of five and entered the Paris Conservatory at just twelve. Under the tutelage of luminaries such as Aldo Ciccolini and Lucette Descaves, he developed a style that is as versatile as it is distinctive, effortlessly moving between the classical and jazz genres.
At age fifteen, he won the Premier Prix du Conservatoire and, three years later, the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York City. Among his numerous commendations is the Victoire d’Honneur, a lifetime career achievement award and the highest honor given by France’s Victoires de la Musique. In 2010 the Hollywood Bowl honored Thibaudet for his musical achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. Previously a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Thibaudet was awarded the title Officier by the French Ministry of Culture in 2012. In 2020, he was named Special Representative for the promotion of French Creative and Cultural Industries in Romania.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet is the pianist featured on Dario Marianelli’s score for Pride & Prejudice (2005) featuring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfayden.
With a charismatic stage presence and deep commitment to exploring the full range of the piano repertoire, Thibaudet brings a unique perspective to every piece he performs, and his interpretation of Gershwin’s Concerto in F is no exception. This concerto, a brilliant fusion of classical tradition and jazz innovation, is a perfect match for Thibaudet’s versatile musicianship. His ability to convey both the rhythmic vitality and lyrical beauty of Gershwin’s music ensures a performance that will leave audiences breathless.
The Concerto in F, with its vibrant melodies and spirited rhythms, is a testament to the composer’s genius in blending American jazz with classical forms. It opens with a bold, lively movement filled with syncopated rhythms and blue notes, followed by a soulful adagio that highlights Gershwin’s melodic gift. The concerto concludes with a lively allegro agitato, bringing together all the thematic elements in a jubilant and energetic finale. Thibaudet’s nuanced approach to this work promises to bring out all the colors and textures of Gershwin’s score, making it a truly memorable experience for all who attend.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s extraordinary artistry with the Colorado Symphony. Whether you are a longtime fan of Gershwin or new to his music, this performance of the Concerto in F will be a feast for the senses, a dazzling display of technical skill and interpretive depth that will resonate long after the final note has been played.
Hear Jean-Yves Thibaudet Perform Live
Witness Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s extraordinary artistry with the Colorado Symphony, September 13-15, 2024
BERLIOZ Roman Carnival
GERSHWIN Concerto in F
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World”
