Louis Page: A concert with a personal touch
A welcome return: Louis Page
Talented Sri Lankan-American pianist Louis Page is back in town with an enthralling evening of classical piano music titled ‘From Mozart to Moszkowski’, on Friday, April 4 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
The concert promises to be a captivating exploration of musical contrasts, featuring a blend of solo works, four-hand pieces (with Tuan Anosh Ismail), and selections spanning different periods of classical music.
A gifted pianist who began his musical journey at the very young age of four, Louis Page, now a recording and performing artist, has honed his craft to create a performance that not only showcases technical brilliance but also conveys the emotional depth and personal connection he has with the works he performs.
The concert begins with Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso, a virtuosic solo piece that sets the tone for the diverse programme. The evening progresses with the Russian etudes and a Mozart Sonata for two pianos creating a vibrant contrast and then transitions to an expansive Schubert section, including Fantasie in F Minor, one of the most profound works in the four-hand piano repertoire, and a movement from Schubert’s Sonata in B-Flat major. “The Sonata movement is similar in character to Fantasie,” says Louis. “It’s a very mature work, usually played by older pianists, but ironically, I played it when I was about 18 or 19, and now, with age, I approach it differently.
As the evening unfolds, the audience will be treated to a four-hand selection of Debussy, along with a subtle nod to Ireland through two nocturnes by John Field. The programme also includes Rachmaninov’s preludes, works from one of Louis’ more recent favourite composers. “I only got into Rachmaninov with my mentor,” remarks Louis. “Oddly enough, I didn’t really do much Rachmaninov before I met him, and that is how I appreciated the influence of jazz music and that whole different character which took me a while to adjust to. But now it’s one of my favourites.”
Another theme woven through the programme is the inclusion of works by composers whose names begin with “M” – Mozart, Mendelssohn and Moszkowski. These composers, hailing from different eras, represent the evolution of classical music: Mozart from the Classical period, Mendelssohn from the early Romantic era and Moszkowski from the late Romantic period. Despite the significant stylistic differences, their works share an underlying thread of elegance and mastery, offering a cohesive listening experience across centuries.
Louis, who has performed across various international stages in Singapore, Los Angeles, Auckland, New York and Philadelphia, most recently captivated Sri Lankan audiences in 2018 with a thrilling programme of Mozart’s three piano concertos. Since then, he has made significant strides in the recording world with the Arabesque label and continued to perform solo recitals in various major cities. His latest album of ‘Selected Latin Works’ further showcases his wide-ranging musical abilities and diverse interests.
This upcoming performance marks an exciting return to the Sri Lankan stage, bringing a fresh perspective to pieces both new and old. With a thoughtfully curated programme, Louis invites his audience to experience not only the music of the masters but also the evolving musical identity of a pianist who continues to explore, refine, and rediscover the works that resonate deeply with him.
‘From Mozart to Moszowksi’ will take place on April 4 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs. 5000, Rs. 4000, Rs. 3000 and Rs. 1000 (balcony) are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre box office. Proceeds will be donated to the ‘Friends of Prisoners’ Children’, a charitable cause which provides scholarships of Rs 24,000 per annum to school-going children of prisoners.
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