Marc-André Hamelin in Recital (Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
By Steve Moffatt
If you’re out to impress with your debut piano recital in a new city, there’s no better way than with an attempt on Beethoven’s Himalayan Hammerklavier Sonata, Op. 106.
At 62, and with 60-odd albums under his belt for the prestigious label Hyperion, Canadian virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin is firmly established in the top echelon of the world’s classical pianists, so he has no need to impress. But impress he does with this opening half of his Sydney Symphony International Pianists in Recital Series concert in the stunning acoustic of the City Recital Hall.