An evening full of energy, depth, and musical brilliance: Han-Na Chang and Martha Argerich present a Russian program at the Laeiszhalle that shines with fairy-tale fantasy, virtuoso modernism, and Shostakovichian irony.
A Russian program – powerful, virtuosic, and deeply moving: when Han-Na Chang, principal guest conductor of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, and the pianist of the century, Martha Argerich, join forces, two exceptional artists come together. The focus is on Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto, which has been one of Argerich's signature pieces for decades. It is his most popular piano concerto, premiered in 1921, and captivates with its clear architecture, unmistakable humor, and Prokofiev's typical blend of edgy modernity and melodic catchiness.
The program begins with Sofia Gubaidulina's "Fairy Tale Poem," composed 50 years later. Gubaidulina's compositional career was once promoted by Dmitri Shostakovich, and she continued to create music of unmistakable power until her death in 2025. In 2026, she would have celebrated her 95th birthday. Shostakovich's contrasting Sixth Symphony rounds off the program in the second half. By virtuosically alternating between drama and irony, it combines intense emotions, inner conflicts, and dance-like lightness.
March 26, 2026
