DAVID HELFGOTT

This Australian pianist was the source of inspiration for the movie "Shine" about a concert pianist struggling with mental illness. The movie, in which he was portrayed by actor Geoffrey Rush, chronicled Helfgott's life as a troubled child prodigy and his triumph over his illness with successful concerto performances as an adult. The acclaim of the film enabled Helfgott's career as a concert soloist and recording artist to take flight, though he still battles his psychological demons. On 12 September, he brings his favorite repertoire to Istanbul audiences, the quintessential Romantic composers Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Liszt.

In addition to his international musical life, Helfgott is an active patron of The Buttery, a therapeutic community in Australia dedicated to helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems. "The Buttery helped to save a very dear friend's life...[their] great work [helps] people find the strength to move forward to overcome their addictions.” * His concert is sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Bilim Ilaç, in addition to the Istanbul Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with the support of the 2010 Capital of Culture agency.
*(Quote courtesy of Evrim Altuğ's interview in SABAH, August 2009)

Concert
Place: Aya Irini Museum, Topkapi Palace grounds, Sultanahmet
Date:  Saturday 12 September 2009
Time: 21:00


NATALIE CLEIN

She looks more like an underground model than a musician. Apt to breeze into the room sporting a black strapless corset and spike heels with her wild long black hair blowing in the wind, British classical cellist Natalie Clein is actually prepared to blow your mind. A major rising star in the serious music world, Natalie is helping to change the image of this genre from staid to stunning.

While still a teenager in 1994, she was selected as BBC Musician of the year. The 2005 recipient of the coveted Classical Brit Award, Ms. Clein's career is now full-tilt around the globe, with several highly acclaimed recordings under her belt. She dared to record the Elgar Cello Concerto, which was considered almost untouchable as a result of the famous recording by the late Jacqueline Du Pré. The reviews were raves: "enthralling" and "utterly gripping" were a couple of exalted descriptions. The Irish Times said, “Natalie Clein's Elgar Cello Concerto had such an impact, due to the gorgeousness of her tone and the full-on emotionalism with which she approached the work."

In addition to hearing her extraordinary musical performance, watching Natalie is another sort of treat. She is a lithe dancer at her instrument and her whole being is swept up in full-throttle expression. I wouldn't be surprised if shoe designers are vying to put some awesome flash on her feet, too.

Her program at Akbank Sanat will include music by Chopin and Kodaly, and she'll be accompanied by pianist John Lenehan. Her master class, also, should be mandatory for all cello students and fully treasured by afficionados of the instrument. And maybe she'll wear that corset...

Concert
Place: Akbank Sanat, Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoğlu
Date: Tuesday 29 September 2009
Time: 20:00
Tickets: 10 TL, Students 5 TL

Masterclass
Place: Akbank Sanat
Date: Wednesday 30 September 2009
Time: 13:00
Admission free

www.akbanksanat.com