Yeol not want to miss this
The brilliance of Mozart will be brought to life on Leeside this month by acclaimed classical pianist Yeol Eum Son with the help of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
On 21 November, the South Korean pianist perform ‘Mozart Illuminated’ at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Blackrock, Cork city.
The programme puts Son centre stage in two of Mozart’s greatest piano concertos as she directs from the keyboard, listening, responding, and shaping the music together with the players around her. The result is a truly special way to experience Mozart – close, alive, and full of possibility.
The show opens with the sparkling Divertimento in D major, K.136, written when Mozart was just 16. Full of youthful energy, elegance, and playful invention, it gives us a glimpse of the young composer before the piano takes centre stage.
Then comes Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K.491, one of Mozart’s most dramatic and searching works, with its restless energy, striking contrasts, and moments of great tenderness. Then the mood changes completely with the glorious Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K.467. Its radiant melodies and effortless elegance have made it one of Mozart’s best-loved concertos, with its slow movement famously featured in the film ‘Elvira Madigan’.
One of the most exciting pianists of her generation, Son is celebrated for her remarkable technique, musical intelligence, and individuality. Her performances have a wonderful sense of spontaneity, bringing freshness and discovery even to the most familiar of pieces.
With the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO), she creates a genuine musical conversation. From the youthful sparkle of the Divertimento to the shadows of C minor and the radiant warmth of C major, Mozart Illuminated takes us through very different sides of Mozart and gives Yeol Eum Son and ICO space to make every moment their own.
Based at the University of Limerick, the Irish Chamber Orchestra brings exceptional artists, inspiring music, and audiences together, while championing new work and nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Yeol Eum Son will perform ‘Mozart Illuminated’ with the Irish Chamber Orchestra at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Blackrock, Cork, on 21 November.