The fingers move across the keyboard like cavalry. Presto agitato. One after the other, left to right, then again left to right of the keyboard. The tempo is moto perpetuo. The fingertips press each key for an instant — not too much pressure but the impact is relentless. The muscles of the hand follow a pattern; they submit to a memory that’s been imprinted on the cerebellum after years of deliberate practice.
Seated at the piano, the man is looking but not looking, his mind in a liminal space faraway but also here on stage. He’s in a state of flow. The hands, the tendons, the dexterity are those of a young man.
Music
Emanuel Ax and Anthony McGill
Presented by
Hancher
Tickets
Adults $65 / $45
Students & Youth $10
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 7:30 pm
Top-flight musicians—each a Hancher favorite—perform a perfect program for piano and clarinet.
Emanuel Ax—one of the world’s most revered musicians—has been performing for Hancher audiences since he was a Young Concert Artist. How deep is the relationship? When Hancher needed a new piano for our new facility, we turned to Manny knowing he would select the ideal instrument. Meanwhile, Anthony McGill—principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic—first delighted Hancher audiences virtually during our pandemic programming. We have been eager to present him in person ever since.
Together Ax and McGill will present a perfect mix of music for the two instruments—including a work by Jessie Montgomery, Hancher’s 2024–2025 composer-in-residence.
“Understated and unarrogant, Ax can be taken for granted. But he has long been, and continues to be, one of the finest American pianists.” — The New York Times
“[McGill is] a captivating virtuoso on the stage, and a longtime advocate for social change extending beyond it…” — The New York Times
PROGRAM:
Robert SCHUMANN: Fantasiestücke, op. 73
Jessie MONTGOMERY: Peace
Franz SCHUBERT: Sonata in A minor, D. 821, "Arpeggione" for B-flat clarinet and piano
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Moonlight Sonata
Florence PRICE: Adoration
James LEE III: Ad Anah?
Leonard BERNSTEIN: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
Preorder food from the Stanley Café!
Avoid the lines by making your food selections before you come to Hancher Auditorium. Most entrées are only available through pre-order and cannot be purchased on-site at the performance. Snacks and beverages will be available on-site.
Orders must be placed by noon two days before the performance.
HANCHER EVENT PARTNERS
John & Ellen Buchanan
Alicia Brown-Matthes
Donald W. Heineking
Nancy J. Sereduck
See related events:
News
Some sites may require subscription
Little Village - Monday, February 10, 2025
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu.