Munster Express Online

Waterford Music presents Antti Siirala, the 2003 AXA International Piano Competition winner, on Wednesday 26th November at The Large Room, City Hall Waterford.

Even before he won the Leeds International Piano competition and the AXA Dublin International Piano competition, Antti Siirala had been recognised as one of the outstanding pianists of his generation. Born in Helsinki in 1979, he made his debut with an orchestra at the age of seven and went on to win First Prize in the Juvenalia Chamber Music Competition at thirteen. In April 2000, at the age of twenty he won the London International Piano Competition. Replacing an indisposed finalist at extremely short notice, he carried off the First Prize after a masterly performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No.1 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall.

In the Dublin competition Siirala dramatically blew everybody away – opposition and audience – with a breathtaking performance of the Brahms piano concerto. This won him the vote of all five judges, the first time a unanimous decision had been awarded in the competition.

Still in his 20s Siirala has performed solo recitals at most of the finest concert halls throughout Europe and in the United States and has worked with many celebrated conductors. Best known for his interpretations of works by Beethoven and Brahms, he is also a champion of new music, having premiered works by many contemporary composers.

Programme includes Bach, Brahms, Deirdre McKay and Chopin. Admission €15.00, Students €5.00. Tickets at the door.