Step into the romantic and poetic streets of Paris through music. Celebrated New York Lincoln Centre artists Qian Wu and Juho Pohjonen guide audiences on a journey of dreams and fantasy with Debussy’s delicate and atmospheric compositions, enriched by Mendelssohn’s lyrical romanticism.
The programme celebrates the charm of Romantic and French music, beginning with Debussy, whose delicate and atmospheric textures evoke the poetry of Paris. Mendelssohn adds lyrical depth and brilliance, complementing Debussy’s impressionism with classical romanticism. Works by Amy Beach are performed alongside readings of poetry, their dreamy, expressive lines blending with the spoken word to create a truly poetic and immersive piano four-hands experience.
Juho Pohjonen, a highly acclaimed Finnish pianist, has performed worldwide in recital, chamber music, and with major orchestras, often highlighting Scandinavian repertoire including works by Sibelius, Salonen, and Saariaho.
Qian Wu, born in Shanghai and trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School, has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, winning multiple competitions and acclaim for her expressive interpretations of works from Mozart to contemporary composers.
Programme
Debussy: Petite Suite
Cécile Chaminade: 6 Pieces Romantiques
Mendelssohn: Andante and Variations, Andante and Allegro Brillante
Amy Beach: Summer Dreams
Experience an intimate evening where piano four-hands bring the charm and elegance of Paris to life, capturing the imagination and stirring the soul.
Tickets:
Band A: £32,50 | Band B: £22,50 | Band A Balcony : £32,50 | Balcony Band B: £22,50
Concessions (students & U18): £15
Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
All proceeds from this concert will support Music in Action’s Outreach Programmes, which bring inspiring music experiences to schools, care homes, and community settings across Jersey.
🌐 Find out more: musicjersey.com/projects
♿ Wheelchair Access:
Please contact us in advance to arrange accessible seating.
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Juho Pohjonen is a highly acclaimed Finnish pianist who has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent and unique musical expression. He has garnered international acclaim for his performances across Europe, Asia, and North America. His versatile artistry is evident in appearances with symphony orchestras, in recital, and through chamber music collaborations. Across these settings, his repertoire frequently highlights works by acclaimed Finnish composers such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kaija Saariaho, and Jean Sibelius, reflecting his deep affinity for Scandinavian music.
This season, Juho Pohjonen performs Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor with the Philharmonia Orchestra, under the baton of Vinay Parameswaran. He also makes an appearance at Wigmore Hall alongside violinist Stephan Waarts and cellist Jonathan Swensen. In his home country of Finland, Pohjonen participates in the Lux Musicae Festival. In North America, he continues his long-standing relationship with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, performing at the Lincoln Center and venues across the United States, and also performs with the LA Chamber Orchestra.
Qian Wu
Selected as the classical music bright young star for 2007 by The Independent, Wu Qian was born in Shanghai and trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School. At fifteen, she performed Mozart’s E-flat Major Concerto (K449) at Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Menuhin Festival in Switzerland, and Saint-Saëns’ Concerto No. 2 with the Philharmonia Orchestra. She made her debut recital at the South Bank Purcell Room in 2000, later broadcast by BBC Radio 3.
Qian has performed across Europe, the US, Hong Kong, and Asia, including Steinway Halls in Hamburg and New York, the Kennedy Center, the London Wigmore and Royal Festival Halls, and major festivals such as Harrogate, Grassington, and Santander. Her concerts have been broadcast by BBC, NHK, and Phoenix TV.
Her debut recording of works by Schumann, Liszt, and Alexander Prior was released in 2009 to worldwide acclaim. That year, she represented China at the Europalia festival, performing Chopin’s 2nd Piano Concerto with the Brussels Philharmonic. In 2011, she won 1st prize at the Trio di Trieste Duo Competition with Alexander Sitkovetsky.
Qian is a founding member of the Sitkovetsky Trio, performing across Europe and the UK, winning the 2009 NORDMETALL-Ensemble Prize and 1st prize at the Kommerzbank Trio Competition. Future plans include CD releases, recitals across Europe and the US, and performances of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with major orchestras. She is supported by the Keyboard Charitable Trust.