“It’s not just that Ms. Cheng plays these daunting pieces with such commanding technique, color and imagination. She has brought together works that fascinatingly complement one another.” —New York Times

“I enjoy Van Raat on recording, but given the chance to hear him again live, I would run, not walk.” —Christian B. Carey, Musical America

Celebrate the centennial of Pierre Boulez, the unparalleled French composer, conductor, and cultural visionary, with a captivating duo piano recital. Born on March 26, 1925, Boulez transformed post-war contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the 20th century. His extensive conducting career and foundational role in institutions like Paris's Cité de la Musique and IRCAM highlight his monumental influence. 

Pianists Gloria Cheng and Ralph van Raat pay homage to Boulez's legacy, performing not only his solo and duo compositions but also works by John Cage, Morton Feldman, Frank Zappa, and Magnus Lindberg. Their selection celebrates Boulez's broad musical connections, from his well-documented mutual respect with Zappa to his complex relationships with Cage and Feldman, offering a profound reflection on his impact and the cross-pollination of musical ideas across generations.

The program opens with a heartfelt tribute to the late composer/pianist Sarah Gibson of HOCKET and Piano Spheres.

Sarah Gibson: our eyes once watered (2018)

Pierre Boulez: Structures Livre 1, 1a (1951)

John Cage: Experiences No. 1 (1945)

Boulez: Scherzo (1945)

Morton Feldman: Two Pianos (1957)

Boulez: Structure 1b (1952)

Cage: Music for Piano 4, 12, 19 (1953) 

Boulez: Structure 1c (1952)

Boulez: Courtes dérives à partir d’Éclat (1996)

Frank Zappa: Ruth Is Sleeping (1992)

Magnus Lindberg: Play (1979) 

Igor Stravinsky: Sonata for Two Pianos (1935)