Many major artists have cultivated a relationship of friendship with the Festival for many years: their marvelous performances have become an integral part of our successful history. As a gesture of thanks to them for their loyalty and affection, I have chosen “Lifelines” as the motto for the 2022 Festival edition. This year we intend to place a particular focus on all those artists who have honored our invitations – for decades, in some cases. It is indeed remarkable that a legendary, outstanding artist of the likes of Martha Argerich is already making her 29th appearance in the Ruhr Region this year. We were able to launch 2022 with her acclaimed recital in Wuppertal on 24 January with Mischa Maisky and Gidon Kremer, whose 75th birthday we were likewise celebrating, and who has inspired many lasting musical friendships at the Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival he initiated in 1981.
It is incredible to note that the great Alfred Brendel will be making his 28th appearance this year at the Ruhr Piano Festival. He has put together a lecture evening on the subject “Goethe and Beethoven” and has chosen to have a young pianist at his side whose lifeline proves that pianists with decade-spanning careers are not the only artists who perform here in a frequency and density that are unique worldwide. Fabian Müller is only 31 years old, but he will already be giving his 22nd performance this year at the Festival. This is due, in great part, to his faithful participation over the years in our Education Program with which he is closely associated, Jan Lisiecki is only 26 years old, but he will be making three appearances this year: for instance, we are planning to catch up on his interpretation of all five Beethoven piano concertos with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, originally scheduled for 2020. It will thus be the 14th time he will have appeared at the Festival.