Beethoven Sonata in C minor Op 13 'Pathétique'
Beethoven Sonata in E Op 109
Chopin Ballade in G minor Op 23
Chopin Ballade in F Op 38
Chopin Ballade in A flat Op 47
Chopin Ballade in F minor Op 52

Aged just 23, South Korean Seong-Jin Cho has already been hailed as one of pianism’s true greats, following his victory at the 2015 International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition – whose illustrious previous winners include Martha Argerich, Maurizio Pollini and Yundi Li.

In demand throughout the world, and praised for his astonishing technical prowess as well as the remarkable maturity of his playing, he makes his International Festival debut with a scintillating programme of keyboard pyrotechnics.

He contrasts two Beethoven sonatas: the fiery drama and tragic beauty of the 'Pathétique', and the serene intimacy of the late Sonata in E Op 109. He concludes with the high Romanticism and richly coloured melodies of Chopin’s passionate Ballades.

This concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.