A Tempo: Pianist's Beethoven Tribute Features Commissions Bridging Conflict, Hope and Peace
By RACHEL KATZ • OCT 1, 2020
As pianist Yael Weiss looked ahead to Beethoven's 250th Anniversary, she asked composers from conflict-torn countries around the world to create works inspired by his piano sonatas and tied together by a motif from the Dona nobis Pacem from his Missa Solemnis. The composers hailed from countries inlcuding Ghana, Iran, and Jordan, to the Philippines, Syria, and Venezuela, and Weiss began touring with her project, called "32 Bright Clouds," in 2018.
When Covid-19 forced the postponement and cancellation of many Beethoven anniversary events, Weiss moved her performances online, and this Saturday (10/3 at 7 pm) on A Tempo, host Rachel Katz will speak with Weiss about the inspiration for the project, the composers and their stories, and audience responses to the performances.
Her latest concert, presented by the Baruch Performing Arts Center, is now streaming on-demand through Oct. 18. A live discussion with Weiss will follow a live stream on Oct. 6.
Listen to the interview at this link.