Renowned French pianist and national treasure, Professor Michel Dalberto, made his debut in Qingdao on 10th May. The piano recital, held at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, marked Dalberto's inaugural performance in the city.
Mark Stringer, the deputy head of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, presided over the concert and introduced Michel Dalberto to the audience. The concert featured masterpieces by Liszt, Debussy, Ravel, Mozart, and other esteemed composers. The Menuhin Hall was filled to capacity with nearly 300 spectators, including students and teachers from the school, who had the privilege of witnessing the maestro's virtuosity firsthand. Additionally, a multitude of music enthusiasts enjoyed the exquisite performance through live online streaming.
The concert commenced with Liszt's enchanting Nocturne, which swiftly transported the audience into the work's romantic realm through Dalberto's expressive rendition. Subsequently, he unveiled a profound and delicate understanding of Debussy's music, painting vivid musical landscapes that conveyed the timeless allure of classical music to all listeners. Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit, renowned as one of the most demanding piano compositions, not only exhibits a distinctive musical style but also requires the performer to possess dazzling technical skills to flawlessly present its complexities. Under Dalberto's flawless interpretation, the piece wove together a tapestry of romance, mystery, eeriness, fantasy, and grandeur, leaving the audience enraptured.
The grand finale of the evening featured Mozart's Sonata in D Major for Two Pianos, K. 448, an enduring classic in the two-piano repertoire with widespread influence. Recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of Mozart, Michel Dalberto joined forces with a piano teacher from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, Shih He, to deliver an impeccable performance that showcased their consummate technique and seamless interplay. The entire composition exuded nobility, elegance, and joy, flowing effortlessly and captivating the listeners. The concert culminated in sustained applause from the audience, a testament to their profound admiration for Dalberto's exceptional talent and his flawless interpretation of classical music. Responding to the audience's enthusiasm, Michel Dalberto pleasantly surprised them by returning to the stage, where he and Shi He performed the third movement, Laideronnette: Impératrice des Pagodes, from Maurice Ravel's Ma mère l'Oye in a delightful four-hand piano duet. Their impeccable coordination evoked a nostalgic journey to the purity of childhood fairy tales, offering the audience an exhilarating musical feast. The concert garnered widespread acclaim, and more than ten media outlets, including Qingdao TV, Qingdao Daily, and iFeng News, conducted interviews and reported on this remarkable solo recital.
Michel Dalberto, an esteemed French pianist and recipient of the highest French knighthoods, Legion of Honour, enjoys a distinguished international reputation. As a torchbearer of the great French Piano School of Alfred Cortot, he has passionately immersed himself in the works of German and French composers since the 1970s, offering refined and faithful interpretations that have withstood the test of time. Renowned for his honesty, passion, and sensitivity, Dalberto's playing resonates deeply with audiences, striking a delicate balance between artistic vision and emotional nuance. His remarkable achievements include consecutive victories at esteemed competitions such as the International Mozart Competition Salzburg, the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition, and Leeds International Piano Competition. Notably, he remains the sole active pianist in the industry to have recorded a comprehensive collection of Franz Schubert's piano works. Dalberto's dedication extends beyond performance, as he has shared his knowledge and expertise as a devoted educator at esteemed institutions such as the Imola Piano Academy and the Conservatoire de Paris. In 2022, he assumed the esteemed position of Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, further cementing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
In a pre-performance interview, Michel Dalberto expressed his conviction that the future of classical music education lies in China. He praised The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao for its artistic ambiance, excellent campus facilities, and intelligent and music-loving students, all of which left a deep impression on him. Dalberto expressed his great fondness for Chinese culture and his joy in being part of it. He eagerly looks forward to working with musicians and educators from around the world to help students at the school realize their dreams.