6 Piano Concertos You Need to Hear Live

Yuja Wang plays Ligeti

Piano concerto Ligeti
Ligeti’s Piano Concerto is a mesmerizing and explosive work that pushes the boundaries of piano technique and rhythmic complexity. A whirlwind of shifting rhythms and bold sonic experiments, it remains one of the most challenging concertos of the 20th century. Pianist Yuja Wang, praised by The New York Times for her “glamorous sound, fiery technique, and sharp musicality, served up with impish charm and slinky couture,” brings this daring masterpiece to life with unparalleled flair. Her virtuosity and magnetic stage presence make her the perfect soloist for this concerto, where piano and orchestra engage in a thrilling and unpredictable musical duel.

Experience this concert on October 30 or 31, 2025, as superstar Yuja Wang performs Ligeti’s Piano Concerto. Mark your calendar and get your tickets here.

Adès and Stravinsky

Thomas Adès’ Piano Concerto
Thomas Adès’ Piano Concerto is one of the most thrilling and groundbreaking piano concertos of the 21st century. While many contemporary composers lean towards minimalism or abstraction, Adès embraces the grandeur and virtuosity of the Romantic tradition—infused with a bold, modern edge. His music bursts with explosive energy, creating a sound world that is both innovative and deeply expressive. The New York Times praised his recent work, writing: “Adès, particularly in the past decade, seems to have flung open the gates of heaven, unleashing forces that overwhelm and awe in their immensity.”

Experience this concert on November 21 or 23, 2025, as top pianist Kirill Gerstein performs Adès’ Piano Concerto. Mark your calendar and get your tickets here.

Martha Argerich plays Schumann

Schumann’s Piano Concerto
Schumann’s Piano Concerto is a Romantic masterpiece, but in the hands of 83-year-old Martha Argerich, it gains an intensity unlike any other. Her playing is a breathtaking fusion of unbridled energy and near-supernatural technique, making her one of the greatest pianists of all time. “Piano legend Argerich makes all eyes sparkle” ★★★★★, wrote NRC last year. “Argerich is a force of nature,” headlined De Volkskrant with another five-star review. A performance of Schumann’s concerto by Argerich is more than just a concert—it’s an experience that sweeps you away, stuns, and deeply moves.

Experience this extraordinary event on November 27, 2025, as the living legend Martha Argerich performs Schumann’s Piano Concerto. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now. 

Lahav plays Sjostakovitsj

Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto
Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto is a vibrant and playful work, featuring an irresistibly lyrical second movement that tugs at the heartstrings. But what makes this performance truly extraordinary is that Lahav Shani will not only conduct but also perform the demanding solo part—a rare and impressive dual role requiring absolute concentration, control, and musicianship. The Guardian praised Shani’s talent, writing: ★★★★★ “Lahav Shani played and conducted Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto with a devil-may-care brilliance.”

Experience this special concert on March 1, 2026, as our chief conductor Lahav Shani takes on Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto from both the piano and the podium. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now.

Trifonov plays Brahms

Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto
Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto is a monumental work, rich in symphonic grandeur. But in the hands of Daniil Trifonov, it transforms into something truly magical. Known for his extraordinary concentration and almost trance-like immersion in the music, he loses himself completely in every detail. His unique physical expressiveness at the piano—his playful, sometimes almost eccentric movements—makes his performances as visually captivating as they are musically profound (see video below). More than just a pianist, Trifonov is a storyteller, drawing listeners into a world of intensity and imagination.

Experience this unforgettable concert on May 21 or 22, 2026, as world-class pianist Daniil Trifonov performs Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now.