Passionate Pianist Plays Better Than Ever After Broken Bottle Ended Career

Endre Hegedus returns to Killarney, Ireland, in July 08 for 2500th live performance

World class concert pianist Endre Hegedus ( http://www.listen-to-music-in-ireland.com ) - known as the Passionate Pianist - is to perform his 2500th live recital at The Brehon, Killarney, on Sunday July 20, 2008. The concert is the first of a seven date tour to be performed in three cities on the west of Ireland over a two week period, with a programme including romantic masterpieces by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt.

His exceptional live performances distinguish him as a master of tonal beauty and clarity. International critics and audiences alike have hailed him as one of the most prominent piano soloists in the world - a remarkable feat considering his career almost came to an abrupt end just over ten years ago, after a broken soft drinks bottle severed the nerves in his right hand.

It took a painstaking three hour operation - without anaesthesia - to sew the severed nerves back together and for a while it was not certain if Hegedus would ever play again. Determined to restore his musical talent, Hegedus successfully re-trained his damaged hand and went on to win a plethora of distinguished awards including the coveted Franz Liszt and Georges Cziffra Prize*.

The summer tour marks Hegedus's third appearance in Ireland, having previously performed two memorable recitals at Muckross House, Killarney in 2007 and 2008. He has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung wrote of Hegedus: "A musician like Hegedus would have been a celebrated virtuoso in Liszt's time. There is hardly any pianist who could interpret Liszt in more authentic, affectionate and passionate manner."

James Bash, writing for the Northwest Reverb in Portland, Oregon, said: "Hegedus plays with a style that makes the piano sing and at the same time has a genuine, earnest feeling."

Irish composer and conductor Dr Declan Townsend wrote for the The Irish Examiner: "Changing the piano into an orchestra, Hegedus allowed us hear flutes, clarinets, cellos, and trombones, as well as an heroic baritone and a magnificent timpanist in his playing
. stunning."

Hegedus himself says: "Irish people are renowned for their affinity with music and I am looking forward to sharing my own love and passion for the art with this special audience".

Tickets are available online at http://www.listen-to-music-in-ireland.com by phone on (353) 87 6301071 and at the venues from 7.30pm on the evening of each performance.

All concerts begin at 8:30pm and feature a surprise after the interval.

* Fellow countryman and pianist Georges (György) Cziffra - an inspiration to Hegedus - himself suffered terrible hand injuries in the 1950s while imprisoned under the soviets in Hungary, as his tormentors were ordered to hit only his hands.

2008 Ireland tour dates:

20 July
The Brehon, Killarney (Wine & Canapés reception)
Programme: All Chopin

22 July
Tech Amergin Arts Centre, Waterville
Programme: All Chopin

23 July
Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare
Programme: Romantic Highlights

25 July
Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare
Programme: All Chopin

27 July
The Brehon, Killarney (Wine & Canapés reception)
Programme: Romantic Highlights

29 July
Tech Amergin Arts Centre, Waterville
Programme: Romantic Highlights

30 July
Dunloe Castle Hotel, Killarney (Champagne & Canapés reception)
Programme: All Chopin

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com

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