Yuko Sano

Robert Schumann (arr. Liszt) Widmung Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Sonata no.10 in C major, K.330 Jacques Allen A Plum’s Haiku (Oxford-Japan Prize for Composition 2026 - UK Premiere) Frédéric Chopin Polonaise in A-flat major, op.53 ‘Heroic’ Interval Domenico Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K.380 Franz Schubert Impromptu no.3 in B-flat major, op. 142, D.935 Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Busoni) Chaconne from Violin Partita no.2, BWV 1004 Japanese pianist Yuko Sano gave her first international recital at the age of 8 and has since performed at venues across Europe, South America and Asia. In April 2026, she made her recital debut at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, with the programme that she presents tonight. It is a lovely programme: sunny Mozart, sparkling Scarlatti, Chopin strutting proudly, Schubert’s Theme and Variations, and the excitement of a UK premiere. Framing all this, are arrangements of works originally composed for other instruments. Widmung is the love song that Robert Schumann gifted to Clara on the eve of their long-delayed marriage. The Chaconne started life as a partita for solo violin - Busoni took just the final movement and transformed it into a wonderfully dramatic and dignified stand-alone piece for piano. A splendid finale. IPS GS