Among other things, the 2011-2012 Cliburn Concerts season will feature the return of 2005 Cliburn silver medalist Joyce Yang, a program of newly commissioned works based on Stephen Sondheim’s music, the prodigy pianist Yuja Wang making her Cliburn Concerts debut (left, in an Rolex ad) and perhaps most unusually, 1985 Cliburn gold medalist Jose Feghali joining a demo of the technology of Zenph Innovations that permits the recreation of a historic, live performer’s “precise, nuanced keystrokes and pedal motions . . . This is done in new data formats which can be played back with phenomenal reality on corresponding high-resolution computer-controlled grand pianos. Rachmaninoff, Glenn Gould, and Art Tatum can literally play’ live’ again.” The New York Times called the “re-performance” results “thrilling.”

Also: a rare performance of Franz Liszt’s three suites, Annés de pèlerinage, and the return of Emanuel Ax. Opera soprano Deborah Voigt will give a recital as will the piano-violin duet of Jon Kimura Parker and Cho-Liang Lin. Subscription tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Online, go to the Van Cliburn Foundation.

The full press release follows:

2011-2012 CLIBURN CONCERTS SEASON ANNOUNCED

Subscriptions go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m.

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 6, 2011—David Chambless Worters, Cliburn Foundation President & CEO, today announced the line-up for the 2011-2012 Cliburn Concerts season. Since its inception 35 years ago, this unique performance series has delivered the world’s most elite classical artists to North Texas audiences. Subscription packages for the upcoming season range from $66 to $546 and go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. online at Cliburn.org or by calling 817.212.4280.

The 2011–2012 Cliburn at the Bass features a trove of piano riches as Louis Lortie opens the season with a rare complete performance of Franz Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage); superstar prodigy Yuja Wang makes her Cliburn Concerts debut; and Joyce Yang, our elegant 2005 Cliburn silver medalist, returns after garnering worldwide acclaim. Other offerings include celebrated piano/violin duo Jon Kimura Parker and Cho-Liang Lin with “An Evening in Paris,” the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performing “Folk Traditions,” and a distinctive recital appearance by the world’s foremost dramatic soprano, Deborah Voigt. Closing the season at Bass Hall, we present a solo piano performance by the incomparable Emanuel Ax.

The Cliburn at the Modern series is dedicated to the celebration of living composers and new ideas in music making. We open with a true American treasure in composer John Corigliano, then welcome pianist Anthony de Mare, who will present a program of newly commissioned works based on the music of Stephen Sondheim. Finally 1985 Cliburn Gold Medalist José Feghali lends his extraordinary talent to help exhibit the cutting edge technology of Zenph Sound Innovations, which creates a live piano recital experience from recordings of the greatest historical performances.

2011-2012 CLIBURN CONCERTS AT A GLANCE

CLIBURN AT THE BASS
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at Bass Performance Hall, located at 4th & Calhoun Streets in downtown Fort Worth.

Tues., September 13, 2011—Louis Lortie, piano Tues., October 11, 2011—Yuja Wang, piano Tues., November 15, 2011—Jon Kimura Parker, piano & Cho-Liang Lin, violin Tues., January 17, 2012—Joyce Yang, piano Mon., February 27, 2012—Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Tues., March 20, 2012—Deborah Voigt, soprano, with Brian Zeger, piano Tues., May 1, 2012—Emanuel Ax, piano

CLIBURN AT THE MODERN
All performances begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, located at 3200 Darnell Street in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.

Sat., October 29, 2011—An afternoon with John Corigliano, composer Sat., February 4, 2012—“Liaisons: Re-imagining Sondheim” with Anthony de Mare Sat., April 14, 2012—Zenph: Great Performances Live Again with José Feghali, piano

2011-2012 CLIBURN CONCERTS DESCRIPTIONS

CLIBURN AT THE BASS
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at Bass Performance Hall.

Louis Lortie, piano
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Cliburn Concerts will open with a performance by the celebrated Canadian pianist, Louis Lortie. He has appeared with orchestras all over the world and has been praised for the fresh perspective and individuality he brings to a wide range of works for piano. The Los Angeles Times raved, “His bravura, his amazing display of color, his beautiful way with a melodic line, his delicate play of inner lines, his imaginative pedaling is each an awesome aspect of his monster technique.”

Mr. Lortie’s Cliburn Concerts appearance will commemorate the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt with a rare complete performance of the composer’s epic piano masterpiece Années de Pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage).

Yuja Wang, piano
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The second concert will feature a dazzling virtuosic display by 23-year-old prodigy, Yuja Wang, in her Cliburn Concerts debut. Ms. Wang has astounded audiences and critics worldwide with her imaginative and artistic interpretations. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Wang doesn’t merely provide listeners with technically dazzling and heart-stoppingly beautiful accounts of keyboard repertoire, she seems to be redefining what is possible with the instrument.”

Ms. Wang’s program will be announced later this season.

Jon Kimura Parker, piano and Cho-Liang Lin, violin Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Both Jon Kimura Parker and Cho-Liang Lin are recognized masters of their crafts, having captivated audiences with their engaging solo performances. The New York Times has called Mr. Parker “an insightful, energetic soloist,” who, among his many concert appearances, has performed twice for Queen Elizabeth II of England. Mr. Lin, known for his eloquent and superb musicianship, was praised by the Dallas Morning News for “the truth and beauty of his playing.”

For their Cliburn Concerts performance Parker and Lin combine their talents to deliver an exciting program of works for piano and violin duo. Focusing specifically on works by composers with an indelible connection to Paris, they will perform music by Stravinsky, Ravel, Debussy, and Poulenc.

Joyce Yang, piano
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Since her silver medal win at the 2005 Cliburn Competition, Joyce Yang has impressed audiences with her stunning virtuosity, heartfelt lyricism, and interpretive sensitivity. The Aspen Times praised her musicality, saying, “Joyce Yang is more than a young pianist who can dazzle with sheer technique. What makes her special is what she does with the music.”

Ms. Yang returns to Bass Hall for a performance featuring works by Bach, Schumann, and Brahms.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Monday, February 27, 2012
The world’s most prestigious chamber music repertory company comes to Fort Worth for a special concert exploring the folk music traditions of Eastern Europe.

Together with acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk, they will perform works by Dvorak, Smetana, and Martinu, showcasing the seamless blending of folk tradition with art music.

Deborah Voigt, soprano with Brian Zeger, piano Tuesday, March 20, 2012 With a commanding stage presence and splendorous voice, Deborah Voigt has portrayed legendary operatic heroines on all of the world’s most important stages.

She is internationally hailed as the world’s foremost dramatic soprano and is revered for her compelling interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. The New York Times has praised her talent, saying “Ms. Voigt, clearly in her prime, is astonishing. Her sound is at once earthen and gleaming…Simply glorious.”

Ms. Voigt comes to Fort Worth to couple her voice’s singular power and beauty with the superb acoustics of Bass Performance Hall. Her program will be announced later this season.

Emanuel Ax, piano
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Cliburn Concerts series culminates with the performance of Grammy® Award winning pianist, Emanuel Ax. A legend in the music world, Mr. Ax has wowed music lovers across the globe with his unrivaled musicality and technique. The Los Angeles Times observed, “His greatness, his overwhelming authority as a technician, and his probing intellect emerges quickly as he plays. Within minutes, we are totally captured by his intensity and pianistic achievement.”

Mr. Ax will perform works by Bach, Debussy, and Bartok.

CLIBURN AT THE MODERN
All performances begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

An Afternoon with John Corigliano, composer Saturday, October 29, 2011 With his large body of rich and varied works, John Corigliano has established himself as one of the most prolific modern composers. He has won numerous awards and accolades including a Pulitzer Prize, Grawemeyer Award, three Grammy® Awards, and an Academy Award.

With selected performances of his works, this special concert will celebrate Mr. Corigliano’s prodigious talent and impact on America’s musical culture.

“Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim”
with Anthony de Mare, piano
Saturday, February 4, 2012
For this landmark commissioning and concert project, 30 of the world’s foremost composers were enlisted to create short solo works based on the music of Stephen Sondheim. Pianist Anthony de Mare will perform these works, encompassing a broad range of styles from classical and jazz, to pop and musical theater.

Zenph: Great Performances Live Again
featuring José Feghali, piano
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Named one of the “Best Ideas of the Year” by New York Times Magazine and a 2010 Grammy® Award winner for “Producer of the Year,” Zenph Innovation’s revolutionary technology collides with classical music for this one-of-a-kind concert. You’ll listen as an extraordinary Steinway recreates live performances from the historical recordings of some of 20th century’s greatest pianists, and experience it capturing a performance by our esteemed 1985 Cliburn gold medalist.