Acclaimed Italian-Egyptian Pianist Francesca Khalifa returns to Wanaka

The Wanaka Concert Society is excited that fabulous pianist Francesca Khalifa, who performed in 2023 and received huge applause, is returning to Wanaka.     Francesca who resides in New York has performed extensively in the United States and Europe.     Highlights of recent seasons include concerts as soloist with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Egypt, the Orchestra Filarmonica Pozzoli in Milan, a solo appearance at Steinway Hall New York City, chamber music concerts with OSJ La Verdi Chamber Orchestra in New York City, and recitals in China and Cuba.    As soloist, Khalifa has collaborated with the Guido d’Arezzo Symphony Orchestra (Italy), the Oosterkerk Festival Chamber Orchestra (The Netherlands) and with the MET Opera Orchestra string quartet in Mozart piano concertos (New York City).    Khalifa is the founder and Artistic Director of the Beethoven Fest New York City.     She received the City Artist Corps Grant 2021 and was the winner of the Ferrara International Piano Festival in 2014, the Schio International Piano Competition, Alink-Argerich Foundation, the Premio Loreto Lancia International Piano Competition and the N. van Westerhout International Piano Competition.   

Programme 

  D. Scarlatti - Selected Sonatas    L. van Beethoven - Sonata No. 31 Op.110  I. Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo  II. Allegro molto  III. Adagio, ma non troppo - Allegro, ma non troppo    Intermission    R. Schumann - Fantasy Op.17 in C major    Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen;   Im Legenden-Ton   Mäßig Durchaus energisch - Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten.    F. Liszt    Zwei Konzertetuden S.145: Waldesrauschen  Gnomenreigen    Saint-Saens/ Liszt    Danse macabre