“A man of sweeping vision” – Mika Orava (London debut)

Mika Orava was born 1972 in Imatra, Finland. He started to play the piano at the age of 8, completed his studies at the Sibelius Academy, and received his Master’s of Music degree in 2002. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree (2007). In addition to teaching, coaching and creating original works in media art, Orava has performed over 500 public piano recitals, chamber and lied concerts in Finland, Europe, Russia and the United States.

Writing an open recommendation last autumn, Professor Matti Raaekallio at the Julliard School in New York, describes Orava as a Finnish multitalent:  a pianist, media artist and a leadership coach.  He writes that Mika’s work is extremely rare in its fearless crossing of imaginary borders, in its intensity, and in its out-of-the-box thinking. He is a man of sweeping vision and boundless courage.  Last autumn he heard Orava’s performances in the core Classical piano repertoire (Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier and late Schubert sonatas) in says that in both fields he succeeded in finding radical, thought-providing but justifiable innovations.

Programme:

Johann Sebastian BACH

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I

Prelude & Fugue  E minor (X)

Prelude & Fugue  G sharp minor (XVIII)

Prelude & Fugue  C sharp major (III)

Prelude & Fugue  D major (V)

Prelude & Fugue  E major (IX)

Prelude & Fugue  F major (XI)

Prelude & Fugue  F sharp minor (XIV)

Prelude & Fugue  F minor (XII)

Interval (20 minutes)

Franz SCHUBERT

Piano Sonata A major D.959