Introduction to Infinite Staircase

Get a preview of our new project at National Sawdust with pianist Han Chen performing 18 world premieres co-commissioned by Metropolis and Han Chen after Ligeti’s iconic études.

National Sawdust presents a new project featuring the World Premiere of 18 new works for solo piano, co-commissioned by Metropolis Ensemble and pianist Han Chen, marking the centenary birthday of Hungarian-Austrian composer György Ligeti (1923-2006).

Each of the new works is paired with one of Ligeti’s 18 renowned canonic piano etudes, in a solo recital performance by Han Chen. A diverse cohort of contemporary composers were invited to study a specific Ligeti etude and create a response. Together, all thirty-six works will create a broad and exhilarating showcase of piano performance and composition, along with sound art by Phong Tran and lighting design by Dominick Chang.

About Han Chen

Han Chen has emerged among the new generation of concert pianists as a uniquely fearless performer in a wide variety of musical settings. Gold Medalist at the 2013 China International Piano Competition and a prizewinner at the 2018 Honens International Piano Competition, he has been praised by Gramophone as “impressively commanding and authoritative” and further cited by The New York Times for his “graceful touch,” “rhythmic precision,” and “hypnotic charm,” Chen’s virtuosity is enriched by a probing commitment to new and lesser-known works, as well as the great cornerstones of the piano repertory. More »

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