Advisory of Artist Change

(Philadelphia, March 29, 2012)—Acclaimed pianist Maria João Pires has graciously agreed to join The Philadelphia Orchestra as soloist in its May 17-19 concerts, replacing Maurizio Pollini, who was originally scheduled to appear. Mr. Pollini has regrettably withdrawn from the Orchestra’s performances, as well as all of his upcoming U.S. engagements, for health reasons.

Maria João Pires makes her Philadelphia Orchestra debut with these concerts (May 17 and 19 in Philadelphia, May 18 at Carnegie Hall in New York). A friend of Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit for over three decades, Ms. Pires makes a rare U.S. appearance with these performances in honor of Mr. Dutoit’s final concerts as chief conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Ms. Pires will perform Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto (instead of the composer’s First Piano Concerto, which was originally programmed). The previously announced orchestral repertoire remains the same.

One of the finest musicians of her generation, Maria João Pires continues to transfix audiences with the spotless integrity, eloquence, and vitality of her art. Since 1970 she has dedicated herself to reflecting on the influence of art on life, community, and education, and in trying to develop new ways of implementing pedagogic theories within society. In the last 10 years she has held many workshops with students from all around the world, and has taken her philosophy and teaching to Japan, Brazil, Portugal, France, and Switzerland. In 2005 she formed an experimental theater, dance, and music group, Art Impressions, and together they have produced two major projects—“Transmissions” and “Schubertiade.” In 2012 she appears with all the major European orchestras under the batons of Bernard Haitink, Claudio Abbado, and Riccardo Chailly, among others. A frequent visitor to Japan she returns there in spring 2013 with the London Symphony and Mr. Haitink. Ms. Pires recorded with Erato for 15 years and subsequently, for the last 24 years, with Deutsche Grammophon. Her large and varied discography covers solo repertoire, chamber music, and concertos. Her latest recording, of two Mozart concertos conducted by Mr. Abbado, will be released in autumn 2012.

May 17 at 8:00 PM – Thursday evening – Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
May 18 at 8:00 PM – Friday evening – Carnegie Hall, New York
May 19 at 8:00 PM – Saturday evening – Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Charles Dutoit Conductor
Maria João Pires Piano
The Philadelphia Singers Chorale
David Hayes Music Director

Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila 
Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2
Ravel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet)

Tickets: $10-$129, 215.893.1999 or www.philorch.org.