The Viennese Legacy

Experience the sweeping passion of the 19th century with The Viennese Legacy, a powerhouse program featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann. From the poetic brilliance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto to the sun-drenched triumph of Brahms’s Second Symphony, this evening is a celebration of the melodies that defined an era and continue to capture hearts today.

Lauded as “exquisite” by The Philadelphia Inquirer and “a pianist of sterling artistry” by the prestigious Gramophone magazine, Michelle Cann is one of the most sought-after artists of her generation. A regular guest with the world’s leading orchestras, she is equally celebrated as a champion of rediscovered masterpieces, most notably the works of composer Florence Price. Her recordings of Price’s work have earned her two Grammy Awards, cementing her reputation as both a brilliant performer and an important artistic voice of our time. Recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and a faculty member at both the Curtis Institute and the Manhattan School of Music, Cann brings an extraordinary depth of musicianship to everything she touches. Watching her tackle the lush, romantic melodies of Schumann’s concerto in our intimate setting is a rare opportunity to see a modern legend at the peak of her powers.

Program

• Schumann | Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: This is a deeply romantic dialogue between the piano and the orchestra. It moves from tender, song-like melodies to a spirited, rhythmic finale that perfectly showcases Michelle Cann’s signature blend of power and grace.

• Brahms | Symphony No. 2 in D Major: Often called Brahms’s “Pastoral” symphony, this work was written during a summer holiday in the Austrian Alps. It is filled with warmth, lush melodies, and a sense of outdoor peace, concluding with one of the most jubilant and triumphant endings in all of classical music.

Michelle Cann is among the most talented pianists on the international circuit today. Hearing her perform Schumann in the intimate setting of the PMF — rather than one of the massive halls where she typically appears — is exactly the kind of experience this festival was built to provide… and one you won’t want to miss.