26 February 2011
Concert Hall, HK Cultural Centre

"He can do things with his fingers and feet that nobody else can do. It's a very kaleidoscopic approach to sound" Los Angeles Times

Cameron Carpenter, the Grammy-nominated American organist, has been compared to Fred Astaire, The Scissor Sisters and Liberace. He is known for his intensely personal, flamboyant performances which cover both organ and piano literature. From his concert outfit and self-designed organ shoes to his persistence in challenging himself to difficult and unusual repertoire, Carpenter’s approach to the organ is unparalleled.

Generating over a million hits on YouTube and Facebook, Carpenter’s virtuosic, theatrical performance puts most rock acts to shame, and his deliberate emphasis on dramatic appearance highlights his philosophy on the organ, its music and performance. With superhuman dexterity in his two feet as he does in his ten fingers, the “Jewel of Juilliard” dazzles with technical brilliance.

Awarded the prestigious Medal for Interpretation at the World Organ Competition, Carpenter is not only well-versed in the organ canon, he also broadens the organ repertoire through performing arrangements of jazz and classical masterpieces, including Mahler’s fifth symphony, as well as his own compositions which draw inspiration from film scores, folk songs and popular music.

Mixing showmanship with musicianship, Cameron Carpenter brings the organ into the 21st century.