2014 Tour of New Zealand
In 2014 German-New Zealand pianist Michael Endres offers a unique and exciting recital programme crafted from his critically acclaimed and recently released Gershwin album. Liszt transcriptions of 19th century German Songwriters and Gershwin’s own Songbook from the 20th Century, tied together with two famous rhapsodies: Rhapsodie espagnole by Liszt, and Gershwin’s own version for solo piano of his Rhapsody in Blue:
Songs & Rhapsodies
BEETHOVEN / LISZT: Adelaide
SCHUBERT / LISZT: Ständchen, Gretchen am Spinnrade
SCHUMANN / LISZT: Frühlingsnacht, Widmung
FRANZ LISZT: Rhapsodie espagnole............Interval.............
GEORGE GERSHWIN: Songbook (18 songs)
GEORGE GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue (solo version)
Here is what New Zealand Herald Critic William Dart wrote of Michael’s Gershwin CD:
The opening The Man I Love, delivered with lingering rubato and resonant inner voices, might have escaped from a Schumann fantasy land, together with the dream-laden Somebody Loves Me and Who Cares.
Top marks amongst these 18 transcriptions must be shared by a knife-edge I got rhythm and a scrupulously voiced 'S Wonderful, more gently paced than the composer's liltingly directive might have suggested.
The disc's centrepiece is Rhapsody in Blue, without orchestral assistance.
Of course one misses that slippery slide of clarinet and brazen wah-wah trumpet but, presented solo, Gershwin's score is more effectively rhapsodic. Endres' single-minded attention to the work's driving momentum is breathtaking.
The whimsical humour of this pianist is infectious, a feature that is a familiar asset on his earlier recordings.
Stars: 5/5
Verdict: German Kiwi pianist illuminates the Gershwin songbook with flair and whimsy.
Availability
Because Michael lives in New Zealand, the only restrictions to his availability are 1 month in the middle of the year when he has prior engagements in Europe and the US. Otherwise, we are looking to book dates based on your preferences, combining trips wherever possible to save travel costs. So, the only restriction:
JULY 2014 Blocked out for recitals in Europe and the USA
Booking Process
Please signal your interest to invite Michael as a first step – even if you are not yet in a position to commit. It’s important to know of interest first. If you have them, include date possibilities. Your email to "michaelendrestour [at] maximaltd.com" will go directly to the artist, and Michael will follow up with you directly to discuss further details and get a fuller picture of your considerations. Alternatively, contact John Ballard at Maxima Artist Management Ltd.
Conditions
Artist’s fee + 2 nights single room accommodation + domestic travel
(NB: No international travel component)
Domestic travel is economy class ex Christchurch return, with sharing of costs between presenters wherever possible.
Download Tour Details Flyer
Michael Endres
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