Danza Preparata: John Cage Rui Horta

As part of Ether's celebrations of the 100th anniversary of John Cage's birth, pianist Rolf Hind, one of our great interpreters of modern piano music, collaborates with acclaimed choreographer Rui Horta, dancer Silvia Bertoncelli and a cat named Mia in a new work that showcases the genius of one of the twentieth century's great artists.

Hind soundtracks Horta's stunning choreography with Cage's Sonatas and Interludes, a group of 20 short pieces for prepared piano that are often considered amongst his finest achievements. Cage put screws, bolts and rubbers into the workings of the piano to transform the most familiar instrument into an exotic, colourful percussion orchestra.

Horta in turn takes influence from Cage and his long collaboration with Merce Cunningham, creating a work that is intimate and poetic yet permeated with Cage's love of randomness.

Hind and Bertoncelli are joined on stage by a very special feline guest named Mia who offers her own unique response to the music.

Praise for pianist Rolf Hind -
'Rolf Hind exceeds the boundaries of what is possible on the piano' (De Standaard, Brussels)
'Just how many hands does Rolf Hind have?' (The Daily Telegraph)

Praise for choreographer Rui Horta -
'Dance Umbrella presented Rui Horta most recently in 2010. I've known Rui for more than 20 years and seize every opportunity I can to see his work. What he gives us is always fresh, unexpected and smart, and I look forward to his response to the Cage piano pieces with great anticipation.' (Betsy Gregory, Artistic Director of Dance Umbrella)

'Hypnotic... an intoxicating performance.' **** (Público, Portugal)

Post-show event
In an informal post-concert discussion, chaired by Southbank Centre's Head of Classical Music Gillian Moore, Rolf Hind reveals some of the secrets of the prepared piano and Rui Horta talks about choreographing Cage.