TANIA GIANNOULI NIK BÄRTSCH Piano Duo

Already protagonists of Bergamo Jazz in 2022 and 2023 respectively, with their solo performances, the Greek Tania Giannouli and the Swiss Nik Bärtsch, two of the most interesting and highly regarded exponents of European pianism in recent decades, return to the Festival to present the Italian premiere of a duo that has already made a name for itself in several other festivals across the Old Continent. What binds the two pianists is a shared vision that has already led them to be defined as “ideal musical partners,” each bringing something different while remaining true to themselves and at the same time serving the dialogue with their instrument colleague. The duo moves between hypnotic and dynamic atmospheres, where a touch of sensuality also peeks through. Nik Bärtsch has released seven albums with ECM since his debut with the German label in 2006. His music is richly conceptual and strongly influenced by minimalism and contemporary classical composition. Tania Giannouli, whose popularity is steadily growing, including in Italy, has a more lyrical style that subtly alludes to the folk melodies of her country of origin. The duo pushes the boundaries of what is meant by “playing the piano.” Bärtsch can be particularly rhythmic and possesses a total mastery of the keyboard, also enhancing its percussive peculiarities, while Giannouli expresses herself mainly through a natural melodic vein, also exploiting the most hidden resources of her instrument. Together, the two pianists promise music open to the invention of the moment, where unpredictability and communicative physicality interpenetrate.

In collaboration with FONDAZIONE MIA

Playbill