Piano Recital in Honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution

The Oregon Hungarian Communion of Friends presents internationally acclaimed Hungarian pianist Endre Hegedűs performing works by Beethoven, Chopin, Bartók and Liszt in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Hegedűs' exceptional live performances distinguish him as a master of tonal beauty and clarity. International critics and audiences alike have hailed him as one of the most distinguished piano soloists in the world. Hegedűs has toured throughout Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. This performance will be his first appearance in Portland.

Endre Hegedűs was born in Hódmezovásárhely, Hungary in 1954. After graduating from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, he won a scholarship from the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, where he was a soloist from 1979 to 1996. He was awarded prizes at ten international piano competitions, winning first prize four times including the Rina Sala Gallo in Monza and at the Rachmaninov International Piano Competition in Morcone, Italy. His public appearances number more than 2200. In his 25-year career as a pianist, he has recorded 22 CDs, Hungarian and Japanese television channels have broadcast 19 hours of live recordings from his concerts and he regularly tours Europe, the Far East, and North America.

In 1999, the Steinway Center New York conferred on him the title "Steinway Artist". That same year he was chosen in England among the best 300 active pianists in the world. In 2000 he was awarded the prestigious Franz Liszt Prize and both the György Cziffra and the Liszt Millennial Plaque. In 2002 he was granted the Pro Urbe distinction by his hometown and also received the Culture 22 Prize. Last year the President of Hungary presented him with a Presidential Medal. For his 50th birthday, Harmat publishing house published a book about the artist Hegedűs a zongoránál, with interviews by Andrea Ferenczi. Currently he teaches chamber music at the Teacher Training Department of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Mr. Hegedűs speaks fluent English, German, Italian and Japanese.

Program^*

Bach-Hess:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - choral from the cantata No. 147

Beethoven:
Sonata in F minor Op. 57 "Appassionata"

Chopin:
Nocturne in F sharp Major Op. 15 No. 2

Chopin:
Etude in C Minor Op. 10 No. 12 "Revolutionary"

Chopin:
Polonaise in A flat Major Op. 53 "Heroic"

- intermission -

Liszt:
Hungarian Anthem and Hymn

Bartók:
Evening in the Village and Allegro Barbaro

Bartók:
Old Hungarian Dance Tunes

Liszt:
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 14

Liszt:
Dreams of Love No. 3

Liszt:
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 "Rákóczi March"

^*Program is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.