Keys to Vienna

Keys to Vienna

This program explores keyboard music by three of 19^th century Vienna’s favourite composers: Schubert, Beethoven and Brahms. As the only member of the trio who was born in Vienna, the program fittingly starts with the work of Schubert; one of his many gems for four hands. Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Sonata needs little introduction, sitting squarely in his so-called heroic period, the work reveals its eternal modernity through a sheen of minimalist textures. Today’s performers round out the program with Brahms’ contribution to the waltz genre in four hands through his Opus 39 – a beautiful, integrated work that encourages the performers to dance with each other through the keyboard.

Livestream      Digital program

Biography

Liam Viney and Anna Grinberg enjoy an international performance profile as a piano duo, involving festivals, major series, live radio broadcasts, orchestras and CD releases on Naxos, ABC Classics and Tall Poppies. Described as “barnstorming” (The Australian) and “unforgettable - sure to be Best of the Year – the most compelling case for the beauty and variety of two piano repertory this reviewer has ever heard” (Rick Schultz, Los Angeles Times), the duo focuses on exploring traditional two-piano and four-hand works, while also actively commissioning new compositions to enrich the repertoire.

Viney and Grinberg’s innovative and creative approach has resulted in collaborations with composers, artists, dancers, choreographers and other established performing ensembles - as well as book chapters, articles and scholarly seminars and presentations. The Duo spent a decade in the United States, including five years at California Institute of the Arts, before taking up their current positions as Ensemble-in-Residence at The University of Queensland, Australia. Professor Viney is Head of the School of Music at UQ, and Dr Anna Grinberg is Head of Piano.