Gunilla Süssmann

The Norwegian Gunilla Süssmann is one of the most striking rising stars of the moment. She is distinctive for her fantastic technique, her staggeringly high IQ and her cleverly devised programmes. Above all else, she possesses the rare gift of synaesthesia, meaning that she can see colours when she plays music. During her concert, she'll be seeking out colours that she does not yet know of, a journey which she embarks on with her audience in tow. In Schumann's 'Kinderszenen', Süssmann promptly demonstrates her virtuosity in colour evocations. In these 13 poetic miniatures, Schumann draws upon her childhood memories. The subtle sound alchemy of these lyrical pieces, in the profound 'Träumerei', remains enchanting. In stark contrast is the daredevil 'Kreisleriana', a schizophrenic fresco of changes of voice where Schumann displays his mastery of character variation. Brahms paid homage to his great friend and role model in his 'Schumann Variations'. With the 'Variations sérieuses' Felix Mendelssohn had earlier set a highpoint in the art of the Romantic variation.