The Pharos Trust presents the renowned pianist and writer Daniel Levy in three unique activities: A seminar exploring the importance of sound and its effect on the human body and mind, a master-class designed for younger people and students, and a concert-dialogue with works by Brahms and Schumann. Daniel Levy will also present his recordings (new releases and re-issues) from Edelweiss Emission’s new series of CDs The Voice of the Piano, as well as his CD  The Seven Tones of Balance – Pythagoras’ Musical-Therapeutical Treatment’, which he composed and recorded in London for the Syntony label, and he will sign copies of his book Euphony – The Sound of Life.

Daniel Levy (piano)

Critically acclaimed as ‘one of the leading pianists of our time’, Daniel Levy is celebrated for his ability to build an intimate connection with the audience through the ‘passionate thoughtfulness’ of his playing. In an article in Fanfare Magazine, Ian Lace stated: ‘‘if the future of music is in the hands of musicians like Daniel Levy, then, personally, I do not think there is much to worry about.’

Without imposing his own affectations onto the listener, Levy enables his audience to establish a direct relationship with the music and he transmits the unique essence of each piece by uncovering the music’s utmost beauty, depth and sensitivity. Throughout his successful career, Levy has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Festival Hall, Teatro La Fenice , Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Conservatoire de Genève and Salle Gaveau in Paris, and he has collaborated with a number of carefully selected artists who shared his creative vision and dedication to the musical craft. Key collaborators include Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Quartet. Levy continues to inspire audiences and classical music aficionados throughout Europe and America with his series of recitals, concerts, chamber music, concert-dialogues and master-classes.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1947, Daniel Levy studied under the renowned piano teachers Vincenzo Scaramuzza and Ana Gelber. Early career landmarks include winning the international piano competitions Jeunesses Musicales and the Mozarteum. He was awarded a scholarship by the Rocca Foundation to study in Italy with Sergio Lorenzi and Maria Tipo, before embarking upon a highly successful concert career that has spanned four decades. Daniel Levy has an extensive discography that transcends the traditional barriers of styles and genres, with recordings ranging from Bach to Piazzolla’s original piano compositions. His recording of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.1 has been described by Fanfare Magazine’s Bernard Jacobson as being one that ‘ranks with the very best’, while his rousing interpretation of Liszt’s transcription of Wagner’s Isolden Liebestod was acclaimed by Gramophone (UK) as being ‘an exceptional, thrilling experience, climax building on climax’. His interpretation of the Schubert Sonatas is considered to be among the best - Bernard Jacobson declared that they take their ‘place alongside Brendel's and Lupu's in my Pantheon of treasured interpretations’.

Undoubtedly, Daniel Levy is recognized as one of the finest interpreters of Schumann in the world today. His series of stunning recordings have drawn high praise from international critics, applauding the ‘sheer grandeur’, which he applies to Schumann’s works (In Tune, Japan). His remarkable level of virtuosity in his recording of Schumann’s Lieder, recorded with the Austrian baritone Wolfgang Holzmair, led Gramophone magazine to exclaim ‘It would be hard to find a more beautiful version’. Levy’s interpretation of Papillons and Fantasie were acknowledged as ‘a vital addition to Schumann’s discography’.

1) SEMINAR: THE ART OF LISTENING
“A journey towards the universe of sound and music”

24 November 2008, Casteliotissa Hall, 6.00pm

Ticket Prices: Adults: €10, Concession/Friends and Supporters of the Pharos Trust: €7

The Seminar offers the participants the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Sound and its intimate relationship with our body, emotions, mind and intuition. The course of the experience passes through The Art Of Listening in its multiple keys, in harmony with both the euphonic corporal movement and with the principles of reflection, introspection and euphonic meditation.An inter-disciplinary vision which discovers the potential of The Art Of Listening, as a basis of understanding and source to increase the level at which we comprehend reality and the way in which this affects us both in our personal and professional lives.

Aims of the seminar: To acquire knowledge of the importance of “listening” and comprehend how this affects us both in our personal and professional lives. To develop various practical skills that will help us to intensify our perception; vitalise, through sound and music, the mind, brain and world of feelings; promote Harmonic Human Relations; listen to ourselves and others; increase our capacity for learning; reawaken our auditive intelligence; become resonant, liberating our creative chords; become a ’conscious musical instrument’ 

Directed to: Educators, artists, scientists, psychologists, musicians, professionals in disparate areas, groups and organizations, as well as everybody interested in optimising his/her abilities of communication.

Method schedule:  The method of teaching-learning is structured and based upon different dynamics and group exercises, enabling the conformation of teams with people with different functions and sectors, constituting an opportunity to share ideas and learn together.  The Model includes the references of theoretical framework, as well as a self-assessment exercise referred to “knowing how to listen”.  At the end of the activity, the participants will design a plan of action to follow. 

2) SEMINAR AND MASTER-CLASS: THE JOY OF MUSIC

26 November 2008, ARTE, 7.00pm (Duration 2 hours)

Free Entrance

An interactive two-hour event directed to young people. A Listening experience with audiovisuals and specific exercises designed to introduce young people to the world of music and to stimulate their natural Auditive Intelligence.

3) CONCERT DIALOGUE: INSPIRATION
“The works of Schumann and Brahms”

27 November 2008, PASYDY Auditorium, Nicosia, 8.30pm

Ticket Prices: Adults: €20, Friends and Supporters of the Pharos Trust: €17, Concessions: €12

A Concert-Dialogue is a musical experience based upon the intimacy between the interpreter and the audience, through a communicative bridge that joins the creative world and the intuitions of the composer.  An interior itinerary that unifies the chosen works with subtle threads.  In this way, the interpretations are alternated with incisive comments about the meaning of the works; anecdotes and experiences related to the inspiration sources of the great composers.  Surpassing the rigid formalities of the traditional concert, this new way of approaching classical music is extremely vital and stimulating for all those who are attempting to reach the heart of the composers. Thus, the bridge between the Musician and the listener is integral, complete and gratifying for both.  

PROGRAMME:

JOHANNES BRAHMS

Three Intermezzi op.117, Ballade op.118, Intermezzo op.118, Rhapsody n.1 op. 79, Ciaccona by J.S.Bach (Etude n.5 for left hand)

ROBERT SCHUMANN

Scherezade, Mignon,  Marche n.2 op.76, 9 Lieder (transcription by Clara Schumann), Andantino and Variations on a theme by Clara

Wieck  Op.14, 5 Variations (Etudes Symphoniques)