The concerts of the Artist Residency Series are the culmination of the participation of tomorrow’s music stars- young and brilliant pianists who come to the festival to work with the artist faculty of Porto Pianofest and prepare for tours, recordings, important concerts, and to make their art known to the world. Six pianists are chosen, from all continents, to perform in a solo recital and share their unique musical ideas with our welcoming audience in Porto.

This single ticket includes entrance to the full day of Artist Residency Concerts for August 8th, with recitals at 18h00 and 19h30. Join us for one concert that evening, or both!

At 18h00, British-Irish pianist Leyla Cemiloglu will perform an all Spanish program, including many rarely performed works.

At 19h30, Canadian pianist Zi Qi Susannah Zou, will be performing works by Beethoven, Scriabin, and Prokofiev.

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Program Notes from the Artist:

I have chosen this program because I deeply resonate with these pieces’ exploration of transformation, both in the evolution of musical language and in the personal journeys of the composers. Each of these sonatas represents a moment of change, whether in style, emotional depth, or artistic vision. Similarly, my own journey has been one of growth and discovery. Moving to Montréal, beginning my master’s studies, and working with a new teacher have all challenged me to expand my perspective, refine my artistry, and embrace new ideas. Performing this program is not just an opportunity to share music I love, but also a reflection of my own transformation as a musician.
Beethoven’s Sonata in A major, Op. 101 marks a turning point in his late style, where counterpoint and lyricism merge into something introspective yet forward-looking. Scriabin’s Sonata No. 2 in G# minor captures a different kind of transformation: the interplay between darkness and light, turmoil and peace. Finally, Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 1 in F minor is his first published composition, it shows the young composer grappling with tradition while foreshadowing the bold voice he would later develop. As I have been learning Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 1, I have deeply reflected on its personal significance to me. Prokofiev’s writing in this piece feels like a desperate attempt to break free from artistic constraints, experimenting with new ideas, colours, and timbres in search of his own voice. This sense of struggle and exploration resonates with me on a deep level, making the piece feel extremely personal as I navigate my own artistic and personal growth. Performing these pieces together feels like tracing a lineage of musical thought, revealing how personal struggles, changing artistic ideals, and bold experimentation shape a composer’s voice, as well as my own. I hope to share these connections with an international audience, offering a journey through music that is both personal and universal.