Pianist Paul Lewis, CBE is one of the leading pianists of his generation widely regarded and lauded for his interpretation and performances of the works of Beethoven and Schubert.
The multi-award winning artist is no stranger to Ireland - in 2021, he became an Irish citizen.
Paul returns to Dublin for his long-awaited recital on 24th April as part of the National Concert Hall's International Concert Series which celebrates musical excellence on an Irish stage, to perform an all-Schubert programme.
The concert is part of his epic two-year Schubert Piano Sonata Series project, which sees him perform all of the composer’s piano sonatas from the last 12 years of his life in venues around the world.
We asked Paul for his choice cultural picks...
FILM
The Death of Stalin. Armando Iannucci’s satire based on the events of 1953 in Soviet Russia is one of my favourite films of all time. Devastatingly funny, sharply perceptive, and utterly superb performances all round. Christopher Willis’s soundtrack is sensational.
MUSIC
Mahler's 3rd Symphony. The last movement of Mahler 3 is among the greatest adagios in all music. A colossal journey of human fragility, and a piece that leaves me shattered every time.
BOOK
Sum by David Eagleman. 40 highly original and thought-provoking imaginings of the afterlife from the perspective of a neuroscientist. David Eagleman offers big ideas that remain with you in this fascinating and beautifully written series of miniatures.
Play:
4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Admired by Harold Pinter, Sarah Kane created some brutally disturbing works during her short life. 4.48 Psychosis deals with the concept of ceasing to exist, and was the last play she wrote before taking her own life in 1999 at the age of 28. A devastatingly bleak piece of theatre.
TELEVISION
Inside No.9. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s long running series always amazes with its endless invention and imagination. An original mix of comedy, horror, drama, and tortuous plot twisting combined with consistently wonderful performances from the writers and their guests make this some of the best TV around.
GIG
Esperanza Spalding - this astounding musician played in New York at the end of March. Unluckily, I missed it by a day, but let’s say it still counts…
ART
The Donatello exhibition, previously at Palazzo Strossi in Florence, currently at the V&A in London until 11th June. A rare opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping work of perhaps the greatest and most influential sculptor in history.
TECH
Those little robots on wheels at some airports which transport your hand luggage to your departure gate while you walk alongside it. They’re very helpful, and rather sweet.
THE NEXT BIG THING...
In-person interactions.
Paul Lewis performs his all-Schubert programme at the National Concert Hall on 24th April as part of the NCH International Concert Series 2023 - find out more here.
