Illya Bunyakin, Ukranian Virtuoso Pianist

🎟️ Tickets

Sunday, November 23 | 2:00 PM EST

NEW: 2:35–3:00 PM — Informal artist discussion and Q&A during buffet (seated and optional for attendees)
3:00 PM — Performance begins with only a brief statement of the work title and number of movements.

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🎶 PROGRAM

(Approx. 60–75 minutes with a 10-minute intermission)
NEW program notes provided

J. S. Bach – Toccata in E minor
One of Bach’s early works, written to showcase a performer’s range and virtuosity. The fugue is famous for its intricate design, and several Italian composers later used this same melody — its original source remains ambiguous.

L. van Beethoven – Sonata in E minor, Op. 90 (No. 27)
One of Beethoven’s few two-movement sonatas, and the first to feature descriptive German tempo markings rather than the traditional Italian ones. Written after a five-year break from piano sonatas, this work marks the beginning of his “Late” period.

S. Rachmaninoff – Prelude Op. 23, No. 3 in D minor
Etude-Tableaux Op. 33, No. 4 in D minor
Two contrasting glimpses into Rachmaninoff’s writing in the same key. The prelude, rarely performed, is lyrical and introspective; the etude is full of rich inner voicing and a resolute, march-like character.

Intermission

F. Chopin – Nocturne Op. 62, No. 2 in E major
Chopin’s final nocturne published during his lifetime, with subtle contrapuntal writing that nods to Bach. Harmonically adventurous and deeply poetic.

R. Schumann – Symphonic Etudes (Études en forme de Variations) in C-sharp minor
Based on a theme by an amateur pianist, which Schumann transformed into a virtuosic and emotionally complex set of variations. The version performed here follows the final Leipzig 1852 edition.

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(See program notes above.)
2:35–3:00 PM — Informal artist Q&A during buffet (optional)
3:00 PM — Music begins