All that jazz

Now in its fourth year in China, Europe's renowned annual music festival, Piano Aux Jacobins, brings together young pianists David Greilsammer, Philippe Bianconi and Franck Avida to offer a feast of classic works.

Hailed by critics and audiences as a visionary and fascinating artist, David Greilsammer is widely recognized for his imaginative, audacious, and innovative programmes. Praised by the New York Times for his bold and unique performance in the American Premiere of Erwin Schulhoff's Piano Concerto, David Greilsammer is now regularly invited to perform in the major concert halls worldwide under the leading conductors of our time.

French pianist Philippe Bianconi has been described as an artist whose playing is "always close to the soul of the music, filling the space with poetry and life" (Washington Post). After winning the Silver Medal at the Seventh Van Cliburn International Competition, Bianconi made an acclaimed recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1987, and has enthralled audiences and critics throughout the world ever since. He will perform Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin's classic works.

Frank Avitabile is considered one of the most talented young jazz composers and piano players in Europe. His music is a fusion of Free Jazz, Cool Jazz, Mile Davis and Bill Evans.

Avitabile started his music education at the age of 9. At 17, he discovered new musical horizons, while also pursuing his school studies successfully.

From the beginning, he has never missed an opportunity to entertain his audience with a Michel Petrucciani composition or two at each of his concerts. After that special opus, In Tradition, dedicated to Bud Powell's music, and then Right Time with Niels-Henning Orsted-Pedersen & Roberto Gatto, his third CD for Dreyfus Jazz, Bemsha Swing, showed true talent.

His album Short Stories, released on August 28, 2006, shows his classical repertoire. Forbidden City Concert Hall Beijing, 7:30pm, June 7, 8

Chen Nan

(China Daily 06/07/2008 page6)