Menahem Pressler / Joshua Weilerstein

Although 90 years old the legendary pianist of the Beaux-Arts Trio, Menahem Pressler, is still going strong, displaying the enthusiasm and skill which many young artists could envy. The secret of his eternal youth lies perhaps in the humanity and depth of feeling which have always been the driving forces in his music as well as in his life. As a young man Pressler was forced to leave Nazi Germany. He found refuge in Israel and then in the USA where he pursued most of his career, co-founding the Beaux-Arts Trio and teaching for 60 years at Indiana University. Chamber musician and professor: although a brilliant soloist, these two activities have been the pillars of his career, for him, sharing and transmitting music are more important than fame and glory. No showing off for him, today less than ever, and Mozart is an obvious companion, especially in this concerto with its sublime slow movement.

He will be conducted by Joshua Weilerstein, whose talent we appreciated a few months ago. Aged 28, the assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic has already proved himself. His next appearance, in September, when he will conduct the most dramatic of Dvořák’s works, Symphony No. 7, will be a highlight.