20-Year-Old Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor to Make Houston Debut, 2/13

A rising star in the music world, British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor will make his Houston debut Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Wortham Center's Cullen Theater, presented by Society for the Performing Arts.

Just 20 years old, British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is internationally recognized for his electrifying performances and penetrating interpretations. An exquisite technique and ingenious flair for tonal color are the hallmarks that make Grosvenor one of the most sought-after young pianists in the world. His virtuosic command over the most strenuous technical complexities never compromises the formidable depth and intelligence of his interpretations.

His Houston debut performance program is as follows: Siciliano in G minor from Flute Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major BWV 1031 by Johann Sebastian Bach/Wilhelm Kempff; Ertödt' uns durch dein' Güte (Movement 5 of "Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe," BWV 22) by Johann Sebastian Bach/Johann Sebastian Rummel; Prelude in E Minor BWV 555 by Johann Sebastian Bach/Alexander Siloti; Largo from the Sonata No. 3 in C Major for solo violin BWV 1005 Johann Sebastian Bach/Camille Saint-Saens; Sinfonia from Cantata 'Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir', BWV 29 Bach/Saint-Saens; Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 7 by Ludwig van Beethoven; from Mazurkas Op. 3 and Valse, Op. 38 by Alexander Scriabin; Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44 by Frédéric Chopin; and Blue Danube by Johann Strauss/Andrey Schulz-Evler.

Grosvenor first came to prominence as the outstanding winner of the Keyboard Final of the 2004 BBC Young Musician Competition at the age of 11. Since then, he has become an internationally regarded pianist performing concerti with orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, and BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Benjamin has worked with numerous esteemed conductors including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Ji?í B?lohlávek, Semyon Bychkov and Vladimir Jurowski.

At just 19, Benjamin performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra on the First Night of the 2011 BBC Proms to a sold-out Royal Albert Hall. Benjamin returned to the BBC Proms in 2012, performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Charles Dutoit.

Benjamin incorporates chamber music collaborations into his schedule, including performances with the Elias String Quartet, Escher String Quartet and Endellion String Quartet. Benjamin has enjoyed working with other members of the BBC New Generation Artists scheme, of which he was a member from 2010-2012.

Tickets range from $25-$40 and can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4772 or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday. For groups of 15 or more call 713-632-8113.

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