Seong-Jin Cho’s Ravel Marathon: A Daring Feat of Piano Mastery
At UMS, we love celebrating champions of artistic “marathons,” from our Marathon Series subscribers who get tickets to every event of the season, to guest artists who take a deep dive into a single composer’s entire catalog.
On February 7, internationally celebrated pianist Seong-Jin Cho makes his much-anticipated UMS debut in Hill Auditorium. This is not just any recital — it is a rare and extraordinary feat of artistry, stamina, and musical storytelling, as Cho will perform the complete solo piano works of Maurice Ravel in a program that is as ambitious as it is breathtaking.
“Since I was a child, Ravel has been one of my favorite composers…I’ve always been fascinated by the ideas, colors, and emotions.” — Seong-Jin Cho
Ravel’s music demands not only supreme technical ability but also a profound sensitivity, and Cho, renowned for his poetic touch and crystalline precision, is uniquely suited for this monumental endeavor. His accompanying all-Ravel album has been lauded for its nuanced interpretation and exquisite attention to detail.
Hear Cho speak more about his relationship with the composer’s works:
“It was my first time to perform and record one composer’s complete piano music, and I can now say that I understand Ravel’s music much better than before.”
From the haunting simplicity of “Pavane pour une infante défunte” to the jazz-inflected rhythms of “Le Tombeau de Couperin,” Cho’s interpretations exude musical impressionism and virtuosity.
Preview both of these masterpieces in new music videos from the album release:
Since winning the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in 2015, Cho has captivated audiences worldwide with his refined musicianship and deeply introspective performances. His command of the keyboard, combined with an innate sense of storytelling, makes him one of the most compelling pianists of his generation. It’s only fitting that his UMS debut is not just a performance but a milestone “marathon” event that will stay in the hearts and minds of those who experience it for years to come.
Ann Arbor joins only five other US cities (and is the only Midwest location) on Seong-Jin Cho’s limited recital tour. Join us on February 7 at Hill Auditorium for his journey through some of the most evocative and mesmerizing music ever written for piano.
In the meantime, we encourage you to listen to Cho’s new Ravel album. Stream now and enjoy on Apple Music or Spotify.
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