TALON SMITH 24 Preludes World Premiere Tour + Beethoven, Chopin, & Ravel at St Francis Episcopal Church

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning pianist and composer Talon Smith will perform his newly published composition “24 Preludes” for solo piano, showcasing his unique voice, mastery of the piano, and ability to evoke emotion through music.

Talon will also perform his interpretations of beautiful, exciting, and timeless masterpieces by Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel, and Stravinsky.

CONCERT PROGRAM:

• Frédéric Chopin: Ballade in G minor, Op. 23
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in E major, Op. 109
• Igor Stravinsky: 4 Etudes, Op. 7
• Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55
• Talon Smith: 24 Preludes, Op. 1

This concert is a unique opportunity to be among the first to hear Talon Smith’s 24 Preludes performed live by the composer himself.

First prints of Talon Smith's newly published 24 Preludes will be available for purchase at the concert. Time permitting, Talon will sign purchased scores after the concert.

This concert will take place on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at 4 p.m. at St Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Avenue, San Jose, CA. Tickets are $29 for adults (early bird pricing), $15 for students, free for seniors and veterans; and are available at TalonSmithMusic.com or through this Eventbrite link.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Award-winning twenty-year-old concert pianist and composer Talon Smith inspires audiences with his emotionally moving, intensely poetic, and technically stunning performances. Talon won his first international competition at 14. From there, his career continues to soar; he has garnered many more top prizes—1st place almost exclusively—in over 40 competitions. Most recently, Talon became a “two thumbs up” Gramophone favorite, winning their highest praises—they described Talon as a “master pianist with an old soul...lifting the music...into the opera house, as if there were a great orchestra in tow.” Talon has performed many sold-out concerts across the United States and Europe. His audience members describe his performances as “powerful, exquisite, romantic, delightful, and incredible journeys through his creative and imaginative interpretations, one after another.” 

TALON SMITH ACCLAIM:

Talon Smith’s “24 Preludes, Op. 1 are a stellar addition to the piano repertory. I foresee them as quickly being popular and becoming a must-study for serious students of piano and composition.” Laura Brodian, Announcer/Producer KMozart Radio

“Very impressive composing—bravo! Beautiful melodic writing throughout! Talon’s piano writing is very natural and idiomatic—it is evident that he knows the instrument well and knows how to make it sound great.” Juan Pablo Contreras, Composer 

“An immensely musical pianist with great imagination. You hear his gift as a composer.” Polish Radio ll

"Talon’s two utterly independent hands and acuity in rhythmic pointing stresses line over mass evoking memories of Josef Hoffman's 1937 legendary Golden Jubilee performance." Gramophone

"Talon Smith's performance made shivers go down my spine. There is something mystical, mysterious in his reading of Chopin's music." Polish Radio ll

PROGRAM NOTES:

Talon Smith’s 24 Preludes possess moving melodies; beautifully blended, consonant tonal harmonies; unique, exhilarating rhythms; and virtuosic piano writing—culminating in a full breadth of emotions to be experienced and remembered. The piece has been described as a “tour de force” for the piano, featuring a wide range of dynamic and technical demands that Talon Smith transcends throughout his passionate performances.