Hardy Rittner brings the music of Chopin to Town Church St Helier

On Saturday, 12th October, the historic Town Church in St Helier will resonate with the beautiful music of Frédéric Chopin, performed by internationally acclaimed pianist, Hardy Rittner.

Curated and organised by ‘Moments Musicaux Jersey’ as the opening concert of their recently published 2024/25 season and in Association with Jersey Opera House, this exceptional evening promises to be a highlight of the island’s cultural calendar.

Hardy Rittner is renowned as a pioneer in the historically informed performance of 19th-century keyboard music. He bridges the gap between period instruments and the modern concert grand piano, bringing a deep understanding of historical context to his performances. His expertise extends beyond the music of Chopin, as his repertoire includes works from the classical era to contemporary music.

A scholar as well as a performer, Hardy Rittner’s research focuses on the music of Chopin, with particular attention to the composer’s virtuosic yet lyrical style. His recent publication, ‘Die vergessene Cantilene. Frédéric Chopin’s misunderstood virtuosity’ (2022) provides fresh insights into Chopin’s pursuit of a ‘vocal ideal’ influenced by bel canto, even in the most technically demanding passages of his works.

Rittner’s distinguished career has taken him to prestigious venues across Europe, including the Philharmonie and Konzerthaus in Berlin, Alte Oper Frankfurt, and Tonhalle Düsseldorf, among others. His performances have also been heard in the United States, Canada, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. In addition to his concert career, Hardy Rittner has recorded an extensive discography for the Detmold label MDG, including the first complete rendition of Johannes Brahms’s solo piano music on period instruments. He is a two-time Echo Klassik laureate and currently serves as a professor of piano and artistic research at Musikhochschule Freiburg.

The evening’s hour-long programme will feature some of Chopin’s most beloved works, including:

• Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27 No. 2
• Nocturne in B major, Op. 32 No. 1
• Nocturne in E major, Op. 62 No. 2
• Polonaise in C-sharp minor, Op. 26 No. 1
• Mazurkas: F-sharp minor, Op. 6 No. 1; C-sharp minor, Op. 6 No. 2; C-sharp minor, Op. 63 No. 3
• Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60
• Sonata in B-flat minor, Op. 35

This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience the profound beauty of Chopin’s music in the intimate and historic setting of Town Church St Helier.

Whether you’re a devoted classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Hardy Rittner’s performance is not to be missed.