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VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on the day Europe woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. Also features Caitríona O'Leary and Eric Fraad discussing their new film Island of Saints, and pays tribute to Joseph Horovitz, Malcolm Troup and Maria Nockin.
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
Classical music news. August 2023 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our August 2023 one hour video newsletter - The Creative Spark
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