Born in South Africa, the charismatic pianoforte player Kristian Bezuidenhout – who is also a recognized harpsichordist and modern pianist – distinguished himself at the age of twenty-one by winning the first prize and the audience prize at the international Musica Antiqua Bruges competition. He has a particular affection for the pianoforte, a “tender and introspective instrument,” according to his own description. This recital will feature the moving, pre-romantic Variations Hob XVII.6, as well as a Beethoven program consisting of the graceful Rondos op. 51 no. 1 and 2, the poignant Sonata op. 10 no. 3, and the emblematic Sonata op. 13, known as “Pathétique” – two masterpieces of Beethoven’s works for piano before 1800.