Concert Ensemble, fifty years of musical excellence
Alicante is treated to a rare return by Elisabeth Leonskaja, a pianist whose interpretations of Schubert illuminate the piano literature. The program features three Schubert sonatas performed by the renowned artist at the Alicante Main Theater.
Alicante has had the privilege to host Leonskaja five times since her first appearance in 1984, when she presented a recital of Schumann, Schubert, and Liszt. Her most recent visit captivated audiences with Mozart, Schönberg, and Brahms in the Teatro Principal.
Elisabeth Leonskaja stands among the most celebrated pianists of her generation. The French press and Spanish critics have repeatedly described her as a leading figure from the Soviet piano tradition, admired for a bold yet deeply personal musical voice.
Orbit
Born into a Russian family in Tbilisi, Georgia, the artist showed prodigious talent and gave her first performances at a young age. She trained at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory and earned recognition at major international competitions such as Enescu, Marguerite Long, and Queen Elisabeth.
Leonskaja’s development benefited from the guidance of masters who encouraged collaboration and performance opportunities. In 1978 she left the Soviet Union for Vienna, which became her creative home. A standout performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1979 signaled the start of a prolific career as an international concert soloist.
She has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world and is a familiar presence at major summer festivals in Salzburg, Vienna, and Lucerne. Recitals have taken her to the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, the Schubertiade in Hohenems and Schwarzenberg, and concert halls in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Edinburgh, Munich, Zurich, and Vienna. Chamber music has always played a significant role, and she regularly collaborates with ensembles such as the Emerson, Borodin, and Artemis Quartets.
Her discography reflects a distinguished artistic journey, including acclaimed Brahms sonatas and Liszt interpretations. Other notable projects feature Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto with the New York Philharmonic under a renowned conductor, Chopin’s concerto with a Czech Philharmonic ensemble, and Shostakovich’s concerto with a leading chamber orchestra, earning praise from critics and listeners alike.
Recent releases include a PARIS project featuring works by Ravel, Debussy, and Enescu, issued by a Berlin-based label. A forthcoming project will explore all of Schubert’s piano sonatas and is planned for release by the same label.