
Klavier-Festival Ruhr: Conrad Tao
Conrad Tao's piano recital offers an electrifying journey through music history, blending classical masterpieces with jazz and musical standards. Born in 1994 in Urbana, Illinois, Tao grew up with diverse musical influences like Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, and ABBA. Described by the New York Magazine as a musician shaping the future of classical music and known for his engaging and approachable style, Tao is as comfortable explaining Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto on YouTube as he is playing Bach on the melodica in subway stations. His expressive performances and conversational approach make his recitals uniquely captivating. His performance at the UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein includes pieces by Robert Schumann and Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as Billy Strayhorn's works for Duke Ellington's Big Band and timeless musical tunes such as "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz."
Rachmaninoff: Preludes Op. 32 No. 1 & Op. 23 No. 8 Op. 32 No. 5; Strayhorn: Take the “A” Train; Sondheim: In Buddy’s Eyes; Schumann: Auf einer Burg, Op. 39; Rachmaninoff: Études-Tableaux, Op. 39, No. 2; Berlin: All by Myself; Tao/Rachmaninoff: Improvisation on Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43, Var. 15; Arlen/Tatum: Over the Rainbow, 1953 recording (transcr. Tao); Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43, Var. 18; Strayhorn: Lush Life; Rachmaninoff: Daisies Op. 38, No. 3; Strayhorn: Day Dream; Rachmaninoff: Études-Tableaux Op. 33, No. 3; Rachmaninoff (arr. Barnatan): Symphonic Dances Op. 45 ; Kaye/Mossman: Full Moon and Empty Arms