With its rich history, meticulously preserved original traditions, and constant openness to new discoveries, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra has shaped and developed the world of classical music for 125 years, forming a unique bridge between the past, present, and future of classical music culture. Under the baton of its permanent conductor Petr Popelka, the orchestra will be a guest at the Istanbul Music Festival with two concerts. The soloist for the first evening, Bruce Liu, has rapidly risen to prominence on the international stage since winning the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2021 and is considered one of the most impressive pianists of his generation with his ‘breathtakingly beautiful performances’ (BBC Music Magazine).
Born in Paris and raised in Montreal, Bruce Liu's multicultural identity is reflected in his artistry. Critics note that Liu's virtuosity and wisdom strike a rare, almost miraculous balance between poetry and passion without resorting to showmanship, describing his elegant mastery of the piano, the beauty and colour of his tones, and his ‘selfless playing’ (The Guardian) as captivating. Liu, who won the 2024 Opus Classical Young Artist of the Year award with her first album recorded under the Deutsche Grammophon label, is already a regular guest with orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony, London Symphony, and Boston Symphony, and concert halls such as Carnegie Hall. Last summer, she appeared at the BBC Proms with the Philharmonia Orchestra, at the Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and with the NCPA Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Europe.