The Dichter Duo Performs Poulenc!

"One was struck not only by the synchronism of their musical impulses, but also by the vigor and elegance of the execution." -The New York Times



Pianists Misha and Cipa Dichter met at The Juilliard School as students of the legendary Rosina Lhevinne and made their first joint appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1972, four years after their marriage. Since then, the Dichters have performed in recital and with major orchestras throughout the world and have brought to the concert stage many previously neglected works of the two-piano and piano-four-hand repertoires. Now, hear these fantastic musicians in their first performance together with the RPO! Thursday, October 27 and Saturday, October 29 in Kodak Hall.

Born in Shanghai, where his Polish parents had fled at the outbreak of World War II, Misha Dichter came to Los Angeles with his family at the age of two and began his piano studies a few years later. While still a student at Juilliard, he launched his international career with a stunning triumph at the 1966 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.

Cipa Dichter was born in Brazil of Polish-Russian parents and had her first piano lessons at the age of six. She made her professional debut at 16 with the Symphony Orchestra of Brazil and came to the United States to study at The Juilliard School shortly thereafter.

The two will perform Poulenc's captivating Concerto for Two Pianos. This concerto is a transitional work, combining the impudent humor of Poulenc's early style with the blossoming vulnerability of the mature composer. Click here to read the program notes.

To hear the first movement of the piece, with Francis Poulenc as one of the soloists, check out this vintage performance video on YouTube:


And use this link to read the Democrat and Chronicle profile of the Dichters.

The concert also includes Saint-Saëns' awe-inspiring "Organ Symphony." More than a century after its premiere, it remains unrivaled in its scope and majesty. Plus, Mozart's symphonic postcard to Paris.

For his Philharmonics Series debut, Michael Butterman (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair) leads the RPO on Thursday, October 27 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 pm in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Order your tickets online today or call 454-2100 to order by phone.

Dichter two-piano photo: Robert Caplin for The New York Times