ILLIA OVCHARENKO

Acclaimed Ukrainian pianist and Honens laureate Illia Ovcharenko returns to the Cecilian Chamber Series to unveil a Fantasy-inspired program showcasing Liszt's epic Dante Sonata.

In the words of Illia himself: I have constructed this program to focus on the musical concept of Fantasy. It is fascinating to hear the variety in their approaches from composers of different eras. Beethoven used the form to challenge Classical rules, while Schumann poured his most intense, personal emotions into his work. Kosenko presents a voice of profound lyrical poetry from my cultural home, Ukraine. Finally, the program culminates in Liszt’s dramatic Dante Sonata. This recital is all about that shared, total freedom of imagination.

In music, the term “fantasy” originated in the 16th century and from the outset was rooted in improvisation. The spontaneous spirit of the Fantasy has remained across the centuries - it is music ‘for the moment’, brought alive by Illia Ovcharenko’s personal musical voice.