Following last year’s sell-out inaugural event, Out West Piano Fest returns to Bathurst to celebrate an incredible weekend of food and wine, music and art from Friday 27th October to Sunday 29th October. An inspirational weekend, Out West Piano Fest will celebrate the piano and four superb pianists, Andrey Gugnin, Tamara Anna Cislowska, Yanghee Kim and Clemens Leske, who will move and excite, enlighten and entertain audiences.
International pianist, Andrey Gugnin, has curated imaginative and stimulating programs, five concerts over the weekend that will envelop the three day event in a perfect package for all ages.
We asked Andrey Gugnin, winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2016, to talk about the upcoming festival.
— Please tell us about the celebration in the city of Bathurst, part of which will be a musical program with a performance by four pianists. I know it’s not the first year it’s been going on?
— Yes, this is its second year. The event offers a deep dive into a captivating musical experience centered on piano music, showcasing a variety of styles—from solo piano to duets with four and six hands. Our repertoire combines well-known pieces like Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” with less common yet equally exquisite compositions such as “Hallelujah Junction” by John Adams and “Armenian Rhapsody” by Babajanian. Over the course of a single weekend, attendees can enjoy five concerts set against the scenic backdrop of Blackdown Farm in full bloom. This, combined with an exceptional gastronomic experience, promises a unique and indulgent treat for both the soul and senses.
— You are the organizer of the Out West Piano Fest, tell us about the pianists taking part in this festival and what kind of music they will play?
— Absolutely, I have the privilege of being Artistic Director of the Out West Piano Fest. Interestingly, I’ve yet to meet my fellow pianists in person, but we’ve collaborated seamlessly through email and Zoom. I’m eagerly anticipating our first in-person meeting. As for the repertoire, we’ve curated a diverse range of styles. Each pianist will showcase solo pieces, allowing the audience to experience and appreciate the distinct interpretations and nuances each performer brings to the stage.
— You were the winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2016. I remember your performance with Arseny Tarasevich-Nikolaev on two pianos at a concert at the Сonservatory in 2018. It was wonderful. Tell us about your creative and touring activities after the competition in Sydney.
— Indeed, I had the honour of winning the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2016. And yes, I vividly recall that duet performance with Arseny Tarasevich-Nikolaev at the Conservatory in 2018. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Since the competition in Sydney, my journey has been quite eventful. While I’ve embarked on the usual tours, some of the standout moments include a humanitarian charity project for Ukraine in Japan alongside the talented Ukrainian violinist, Aleksey Semenenko. I’ve also had successful debuts in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan, with multiple tours in Japan, a country I’ve grown to adore. But, a truly cherished milestone is my return to Australia this year – an experience I eagerly anticipate!
With Andrey Gugnin talked Vladimir Kouzmin
Out West Piano Fest: https://www.pianoplus.com.au/out-west-piano-fest-2023/
Andrey Gugnin’s Recitals: https://www.pianoplus.com.au/event/andrey-gugnin/
