Pianist Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron

Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron, blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, captivates audiences with daring performances that breathe life into contemporary classical music. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Tim Page of The Wall Street Journal as 'smashingly effective,' her latest album with Vesna Duo mesmerized audiences, showcasing her passionate interpretations. Her artistry has graced esteemed venues across the United States and Europe, including iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations.

Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of music, Liana thrives on diverse collaborations, fueled by her unending artistic curiosity. Whether as a soloist with orchestras like the Shilakadze Chamber Orchestra, the Georgian Television Orchestra, or the Frost Symphony Orchestra, she's continuously championed contemporary compositions. Collaborating recently with saxophonist Dr. Thomas A. Giles, she delved into the works of Györgi Ligeti and Olivier Messiaen, showcasing her versatile talent on their album 'Mysteries of the Macabre.'

Lauded for her work with Vesna Duo alongside percussionist Dr. Ksenija Komljenović, their performances at the 2022 Chamber Music America Conference garnered rave reviews. Their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring' for marimba and piano, arranged by Komljenović, continues to captivate audiences and receive accolades from esteemed publications.

An avid recording artist, Liana's repertoire spans from contemporary compositions by György Ligeti and Archil Giorgobiani to cherished classics by Hindemith and Respighi. Her versatility shines through modern works by John Adams and Ólafur Arnalds, which she skillfully arranged for piano and Loopstation. Her solo album, 'Light-Year,' is an emotive collection that weaves together intimate pieces from cinematic composers like Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter, Philip Glass, Ólafur Arnalds, and Kris Lennox. And her latest album,’Kartli: Stories of Georgia,’ a collection of 20th-century Georgian classical music, was featured on Billboard Georgia.

Program: it's about under an hour.
This evening's program weaves together musical narratives spanning centuries and continents. The centerpiece, "KARTLI: Stories of Georgia," draws from the rich folk traditions of the Republic of Georgia, celebrating the nation's classical composers and ancient legends. Viet Cuong's "America the Beautiful: Echo Chamber" creates a mesmerizing sonic landscape where familiar melodies dissolve into their own reflections. Philip Glass's Etude No. 11 showcases the composer's signature minimalist style, while works by Rameau and Respighi provide historical context through their distinct baroque and romantic voices.

1. Étude No. 11 (2014) by Philip Glass (b. 1937)
2. Notturno by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
3. L’Égyptienne by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
4. La Cupis by Jean-Philippe Rameau
5. America The Beautiful: Echo Chamber (2021) by Viet Cuong (b. 1990)
6. Alazani Valley (1970) by Otar Taktakishvili (1924-1989)
7. Dance by Valerian Tsagareishvili (1901-1974) Intermission
8. Fairytale - by Valerian Tsagareishvili (1901-1974)
9. Svan Tower by (1970) by Otar Taktakishvili (1924-1989)
10. Khorumi (1939) by Aleksandre “Aleksi” Machavariani (1913-1995)
11. Miniature No.1 by Shota Milorava (1925-1990)
12. Miniature No.2 by Shota Milorava (1925-1990)
13. Lullaby by Shalva Taktakishvili (1900-1965)
14. Prelude by Andria Balanchivadze (1906-1992)
15. Georgian Dance (1943-1971) by Aleksandre “Aleksi” Machavariani (1913-1995)

What's the music?

Liana Pailodze Harron

Where does this music come from?