Making merry: Francesco Tristano will play classic and modern pieces at the Ha Noi Opera House on Monday. — File Photo

HA NOI — Pianist Francesco Tristano will perform a classical and modern programme at the Ha Noi Opera House on Monday, including pieces by Stravinsky, Scarlatti, Girolamo Frescobaldi and Derrick May, as well as three original compositions. The concert will celebrate the birthday of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.

Tristano discovered the piano at age five and played his first concert at 13, presenting his own compositions.

He later toured both as a soloist and with such renowned orchestras as the Russian National Orchestra, the French National Orchestra of Lille and the Philharmonie Luxembourg.

He founded the chamber ensemble, The New Bach Players, with which he has also performed as conductor. Tristano is one of the last students at New York's Juilliard School to complete a master's degree in the work of J S Bach. He performed a Bach programme at the Opera House here last year, when he also led master classes for students at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music.

Tristano won first prize at the international piano competition for contemporary music in Orleans, France, in 2004 and has released 12 albums, including Not for Piano (2007).

Monday's concert will begin at 8pm with free admission.

The 29-year-old pianist will also play at CAMA ATK, next Tuesday. The show will start at 9pm at 73 Mai Hac De Street. —VNS