Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sonata for piano n. 12 in F major, KV 332

William Byrd
Sellinger's Rownde, BK 84
Prelude, 10th Pavan and Galliard Sir William Petre, BK 1, 3
The bells, BK 38

Johann Sebastian Bach
Chorale Prelude Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich, BWV 605
Chorale Prelude Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott, BWV 721
Chorale Prelude Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310

Kit Armstrong

Math, science, computer games, origami... oh yes, and music.
These are the many talents of the piano prodigy Kit Armstrong that LuganoMusica is happy to present once again, after his first appearance in 2018.

Born in 1992, Kit Armstrong has also reached full maturity as a composer, whereas his research in algebraic geometry has taken him far beyond a doctorate level. In a lighter vein, he can create elaborate and complex origami worthy of the best Japanese masters of this art.

When Alfred Brendel heard him play for the first time as a thirteen-year-old, he declared that he was born to play Bach. Kit's teacher at the Royal Academy was equally full of praise when he saw the eleven-year-old learn by heart a formidable eight-page piece by Debussy in forty-five minutes without even touching the piano. "I don't like to abuse of the word genius," he said, adding that the boy was "far more than just a talent".

Armstrong will present a programme that displays a rich range of colours and focuses on William Byrd, one of the best composers of the Tudor period. The spectrum of influences from which the Elizabethan composer drew inspiration suggests a versatile genius, just like the great baroque and classical masters. Armstrong will associate three of Byrd's most famous compositions with a selection of Bach's Chorales, performed on the piano and set between three Mozart Sonatas.

The melodic and rhythmic richness and the bouncing, youthful energy of the music announce a pianist well aware of his abilities, but above all eager to share his pleasure with his audience.