Freddy Kempf
recital

“A master of Russian-style orchestral pianism whose rock-solid technique gives him the right to be wild”

PROGRAMME

Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathetique’

Brahms: Six Piano Pieces Op. 118

INTERVAL

Dibble*: Prelude and Fugue on  Bm3 (based on the chord of b minor)

Dibble*: Prelude and Fugue on  Bb3 (based on the chord of B-flat major)

Shostakovich: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B minor, Op. 61

Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. Exceptionally gifted with an unusually broad repertoire, Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer who is not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist.

Freddy has collaborated with conductors such as Järvi, Dutoit, Sawallisch, Sanderling, Chailly, Ashkenazy, Petrenko, Oramo, Davis, Belohlavek, Temirkanov, Altinoglu, and Dausgaard, and has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious musical institutions including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic, La Scala Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, NHK Symphony, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Filarmonica de Buenos Aires, the Tonhalle Orchester and the Dresden Philharmonic.

A committed recitalist, Freddy has appeared in many of the world’s most important concert halls including the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire, the Berlin Konzerthaus, Milan’s Sala Verdi, the Concertgebouw, London’s Cadogan and Barbican, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Tokyo’s Suntory Hall. This season’s recital highlights include appearances at the Birmingham International Piano Series, Moscow’s House of Music, and the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory.

“A master of Russian-style orchestral pianism whose rock-solid technique gives him the right to be wild”

“Kempf is a pianist in a million” The Arts Desk

“Beautiful, stylish, light, and elegant… magnificent”. (praise ) for its “wonderful delicate playing and fine sense of style”. BBC Music Magazine

*London-based composer Matt Dibble tragically passed away in 2021 shortly after completing his 24 Preludes and Fugues for solo piano. His death left a void in the classical, jazz, and pop music scenes where he was beloved and respected. Dibble’s compositions showcased his remarkable versatility, blending neo-Baroque, jazz, pop, and modernist influences into a deeply personal collection crafted over six years.

Despite never meeting the composer, Freddy Kempf undertook the recording of Dibble’s work with great enthusiasm. Produced by Paul Baily, Kempf’s interpretation captured the essence of Dibble’s compositions, reflecting a shared appreciation for musical values. Divine Art Records released the recordings as a tribute to the late composer.

Matt Dibble’s posthumously released 24 Preludes and Fugues stand as a testament to his artistic legacy, showcasing his innovative blend of musical styles. Collaborating pianist Freddy Kempf’s interpretation ensures Dibble’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, while Dibble’s diverse musical contributions across genres continue to inspire and be enjoyed by listeners.