contemporary instrumental duo art classical
Johanna Summer, piano featuring one of the following pianists: Claire Huangci, Danae Dörken, Kit Armstrong
The setting: one stage, two pianists, two grand pianos, two roles.
A classical piano piece is played and then, or even in the middle of it, this music is bridged by the play from another side of the stage, from music that picks up on elements of what was previously heard, develops them further. This happens up to the point where a thought seems to have been told in full and immediately afterwards, or in a cross-fade, another part of the written music, perhaps from the classical canon, comes to the fore again.
Here, too, the aim is to take over moods and released energy, either to resume the interru
This approach also inspired Igor Levit, who invited her to the renowned Lucerne Festival's ‘Piano Festival’, which he curated in 2023 and 2024. Summer performed there not only as a soloist, but also as a duo with Levit. The result was something unheard: Levit placed movements from Robert Schumann's ‘Waldszenen’ in the room and Summer responded with an improvisation.
With her programme ‘Dialogues’ and her new album, which will be released on ACT in spring 2026, Johanna Summer is continuing the concept of exploring and retelling classical works together.
She will be joined live by duo partners such as Claire Huangci, Danae Dörken and Kit Armstrong.