Few pianists have gotten more attention recently than Argentinian-born Ingrid Fliter, who was little known to the broader public before she grabbed headlines in January 2006 by winning the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award.
Other boosts have followed in close succession, including signing an exclusive recording contract with the EMI label and being named a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist.
After appearances this past summer at music festivals in Aspen and Salida, Fliter returns to Colorado this weekend to make her debut with conductor Jeffrey Kahane and the Colorado Symphony, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
During a phone interview from Cincinnati, Fliter spoke about her recent successes and her upcoming concert with the CSO.
Q: How has your life changed since you won the Gilmore last year?
A: It changed deeply. I had a decent concert activity, and I had beautiful opportunities to play with musicians such as Zoltan Kocsis or very good orchestras such as the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. After the Gilmore, I can say that the doors of the world have been opened to me.
And, of course, in a personal way, the Gilmore represented an incomparable way of supporting my music-making, which gave me a lot of enthusiasm and happiness and courage.
Q: Did you enjoy your time in Colorado this past summer?
A: That was fantastic. I love Aspen very specially, because it brings back some wonderful memories. As a present for my 18th birthday, my parents decided to send me to Aspen to study for the summer. So, this last summer, coming back as a performer, meant a lot to me. I could enjoy the city and the concerts. I was riding my bicycle almost every day, combining that with great practicing. There, it’s just a pleasure to make music.
Q: When did you sign your exclusive contract with EMI?
A: Six months ago, and I have just finished recording the (first) album, which is going to be released next year in May. And the music that has been recorded is Chopin.
Q. Why Chopin?
A. That was basically a decision of the people from EMI — that was their proposal. If I would have been asked to choose among composers, I would have done exactly the same choice, because I think Chopin is one of the composers that means the most to me and speaks to me the most.
So, I really wanted to include the pieces that represent musically something transcendental for me. Thanks to Chopin, I also discovered the beauty of piano-playing, and I owe him so many wonderful moments.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
Performance:Ingrid Fliter, pianist
Classical music Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets. The winner of the 2006 Gilmore Artist Award joins the Colorado Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $15-$69.50. 303-623-7876 or .
