Grieg-o-Mania

As part of the 9th International Piano Duo Festival “Duettissimo” — a celebration of artistry and partnership in piano performance — Anna Dębowska-Jaroszek appeared in concert with Ewelina Panocha on 11 April 2025 in Aula Florianka, Kraków, performing Edvard Grieg’s Symphonische Stücke, Op. 14.

This year’s edition of the festival — held from 4 to 17 April 2025 in Kraków’s leading concert venues, including the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music, the Kraków Philharmonic, and the Ballroom of the Hotel Saski — featured an impressive roster of international artists such as Marie Jacquot, Marcus Schirmer, Giuliano Adorno, Jatekok Piano Duo, Duo Mediceo, Aleami Piano Duo, and Chopin Piano Duo.

Organised by the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music Foundation in cooperation with the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków, Duettissimo has become one of Europe’s most dynamic festivals devoted to the art of piano duo performance, combining concerts, masterclasses, and scholarly sessions.

Under the evocative title “Grieg-o-Mania”, Anna Dębowska and Ewelina Panocha explored the Nordic lyricism and symphonic pathos of Grieg’s Symphonische Stücke, Op. 14:

1. Adagio cantabile
2. Allegro energico

Their performance revealed the full scope of Grieg’s expressive imagination — from the introspective tenderness of the opening movement to the vibrant energy of the finale. Rich in colour and emotional contrast, the interpretation reflected both pianists’ deep sensitivity to Grieg’s Romantic idiom and their artistic unity as a duo.