Kadri-Ann Sumera Piano Concert: “Pictures from Childhood”

Programme: Mägi, Tüür, Bartók, Schumann

Kadri-Ann Sumera has put together a programme that is a pleasure for young and old alike. It consists of many short character pieces, each with its own distinct character, which music students often play. Yet this is far more than simply educational repertoire: the selected works are wonderful, refined and poetic music, with plenty to say to adults too.

Ester Mägi’s pieces for children are full of humour and heartfelt sincerity; the passionately rhythmic dances of Béla Bartók brim with joie de vivre; and the pieces by world-famous Hiiumaa composer Erkki-Sven Tüür seem to possess cosmic force. In his “Kinderszenen”, Robert Schumann seems to become a child himself, constantly wondering, delighting, joking, growing melancholy and giving himself over to sincere enthusiasm.

This concert is more than a musical performance: a gifted storyteller, Kadri-Ann enriches her playing with stories about the composers, the pieces being performed and her own relationship with them.

Kadri-Ann Sumera is a versatile pianist who performs as a soloist and chamber musician, and also works as an accompanist for singers. Her repertoire ranges from Baroque music to the newest contemporary works. An important part of Sumera’s work is promoting and preserving Estonian music. She has recorded her father Lepo Sumera’s piano works, as well as music by Mart Saar, Ardo Ran Varres and others.

Kadri-Ann graduated from both the Estonian Academy of Music and the Cologne University of Music. She now teaches piano and accompaniment at MUBA. She is also a writer, and has published two books: “Beyond the Paths of Seven Times”, based on autobiographical episodes, and the novel “Children of the Basilisk”.