BY KAREN BOSSICK
“Two Pianos: Who Could Ask for Anything More?” is the focus of the Sun Valley Music Festival’s 2023 Gala Concert on Aug. 8.
Of course, it’s the men playing those two pianos that make it extraordinarily special.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who is no stranger to the Sun Valley Music Festival having performed with the Festival Orchestra multiple times over the years, will pair with Grammy-nominated Michael Feinstein to perform works by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and Leonard Bernstein.
They also will make forays into jazz, ragtime, Latin Music and stride as they perform piano duos and solos and works featuring the Festival’s orchestra. The pianists will offer commentary and anecdotes to provide historical and social context for their selections, which will include Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Feinstein will even provide a few vocals.
Feinstein, who has been called “Ambassador to the Great American Songbook,” has five Grammy nominations, several multi-platinum-selling albums and an Emmy nomination for his PBS television special “Michael Feinstein: The Sinatra Legacy.”
Thibaudet has performed worldwide, recording more than 50 albums.
"I'm so thrilled to welcome the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Michael Feinstein for what I know will be a hugely enjoyable and entertaining evening of music-making at this year's Gala," said the Music Festival's Music Director Alasdair Neale.
Feinstein said he is looking forward to "a rare, humbling and joyful opportunity" to collaborate with Thibaudet: “Having been a fervent admirer of his for so long, it’s a heady experience to actually create with him in tandem. As an artist, he is a peerless musical talent, one truly for the ages!”
Thibaudet responded similarly: "This opportunity to collaborate with Michael is really a dream come true. Since our first meeting, I felt that incredible chemistry between us, and we are thrilled to share the stage in Sun Valley with the renowned Festival Orchestra.”
The Gala is the only concert of the summer season that requires ticketed admission. It helps fund the remainder of the free concerts.
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Gates open at 5 for lawn seating.
Tickets for the Gala go on sale to the public on Wednesday, April 19. Festival donors of $1,250 and above and Encore Society members will have the opportunity to purchase Gala tickets early.
Tickets range from $85 for lawn tickets and in the Pavilion to $1,250 for Sponsor Package tickets and $2,000 for Artist Package tickets. For the first time the Gala Artist Package will be a two-day experience starting off with a private reception, performance and dinner with Feinstein and Thibaudet on Aug. 7 at a private home in a beautiful setting.
The next day on Aug. 8 Artist Package ticketholders will receive VIP parking, premium reserved concerts seats and a pre-concert reception at the Sun Valley Lodge Terrace. Artist Package tickets can be purchased by calling 208-622-5607.
The Sponsor Package includes premium reserved concert seats, a pre-concert cocktail reception, VIP parking and a seated post-concert dinner at the Grill at Knob Hill with an opportunity to meet the two pianists. Sponsor package tickets are also available by calling 208-622-5607.
Tickets for $275 and $550 includes the pre-concert cocktail reception and reserved preferred seating in the Pavilion. Reserved Pavilion seats at $110 and $85 are also available.
General admission lawn tickets are available for $85 online at www.svmusicfestival.org. The concert will be broadcast on the Pavilion's state-of-the-art big screen and sound system.