Patrick Hemmerlé

The first in a series of four presentations over the next two years given by the internationally renowned pianist, Patrick Hemmerlé. In each one, M Hemmerlé will illustrate from the piano one of the four elements - earth, air, fire and water - and the different ways composers have portrayed it through music. The element of this first presentation is water. This is a rare opportunity to get up close with one of the most eloquent and insightful musical commentators of our time.

• Chopin Barcarolle
• Liszt Jeux D’eau a la Villa d’Este, Au Bord d’une Source
• Fauré 3rd Barcarolle
• Ravel Jeux d’Eau, Ondine, Une Barque sur l’Océan
• Debussy Ondine, Reflets dans l’Eau
• Decaux La Mer

Patrick Hemmerlé
Patrick Hemmerlé is one of Europe’s most enigmatic pianists. Refusing to follow musical traditional conventions, he has forged a unique path in the musical world which leaves him free to immerse himself with singular dedication into the repertoire and musical expression resonating with his most profound convictions. The results are interpretations of startling insight and originality. By performing all 24 Chopin Etudes or 24 of Bach’s Preludes and Fugues in a single concert, as well as championing lesser-known composers he feels a deep affinity for, he has developed a reputation as an original with something out of the ordinary to say.

A charismatic speaker, he is able to elucidate the musical concepts close to his heart in a manner that both mirrors and complements his piano playing. Not comfortable with compromise, he engages with his audience from the keyboard with an energy and integrity that leaves no-one in doubt as to his musical intentions.

French-born, trained at the Conservatoire de Paris under Billy Eidi, and laureate of many international piano competitions, he now lives in Cambridge, England, where he has built up a loyal following. He performs all over the world and recent engagements have taken him to New York, Berlin, Paris, Vienna and Prague and China. He has published 5 CDs. Patrick is a member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, where he is in charge of the concert programme.

Host or Publisher Cambridge Chamber Academy