French‑Canadian piano duo Louis Lortie and Hélène Mercier will take the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat on January 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM in a remarkable live interpretation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in the rarely heard Franz Liszt two‑piano transcription, featuring soloists and the Chorus of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in a performance that reframes a monumental work in an intimate and sonically adventurous chamber setting. Known for their seamless musical dialogue that began in childhood and blossomed over decades of collaboration, Lortie and Mercier are celebrated for their “common, blended sound” and expressive depth that make every note feel alive. Together they have released acclaimed recordings on the Chandos label including Ravel, Mozart, Schubert, Poulenc, Saint‑Saëns, Rachmaninoff, and in 2022 their Debussy: Piano Duets album reaffirmed their affinity for beautifully matched pianistic voices. Beyond classical spheres, Mercier demonstrates jazz‑influenced phrasing and rhythmic flexibility in crossover collaborations, notably at the 2025 International Jazz Day All‑Star Global Concert in Abu Dhabi, where she performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in a duo piano tribute that united classical technique with jazz spirit alongside world‑renowned improvisers like Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller, showcasing her versatility across genres. Looking ahead, Mercier has a solo release titled Lost to the World scheduled for March 6, 2026, bridging classical and contemporary soundscapes and expanding her artistic reach. Louis Lortie’s 2026 tour highlights include a series of high‑profile recitals and concerto appearances across Europe and North America, with engagements in Italy, France, and Canada, while Mercier continues to appear at major festivals and chamber music venues worldwide. This Muscat performance stands as a rare joint appearance of two masters whose combined artistry brings fresh emotional resonance to Beethoven’s visionary Ninth, offering audiences a transcendent evening that blends virtuosity, cross‑genre breadth, and profound musical intimacy.
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Tickets and seat selection are available online at rohmuscat.org.om, by calling +968 2440 3300 or +968 7111 1318, or via email at boxoffice@rohmuscat.org.om
