VIDEO PODCAST: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Youth Involvement in Classical Music - this specially extended illustrated feature includes contributions from Christopher Morley, Gerald Fenech, Halida Dinova, Patricia Spencer and Roderic Dunnett.
Turkish concert pianist Idil Biret was born in Ankara on 21 November 1941. She studied with Nadia Boulanger at the Paris Conservatoire, and later with Alfred Cortot and Wilhelm Kempff. She has appeared as soloist with many of the world's top orchestras and conductors, and has made more than eighty recordings. Her huge repertoire ranges from Handel and Domenico Scarlatti through to Ligeti and Schnittke.
Further information: idilbiret.eu
CD Spotlight. Nothing Short of Heroic - Idil Biret plays César Franck, impressing Gerald Fenech. 'My impression is that Biret does not only interpret these works but she reincarnates them.'
Playing Devil's Advocate - Bill Newman tells the story of his visit to London's St John's Smith Square to hear Idil Biret play Beethoven
Profile. All-Involving - Turkish pianist Idil Biret talks to Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Eminently Agreeable - Piano music by Ahmet Adnan Saygun, recommended by Howard Smith. '... unfailing rhythmic clarity and beautifully controlled dynamics ...'
Ensemble. Colourful Renditions - Recitals by Denitsa Laffchieva and Evelina Puzaite, reviewed by Bill Newman