Fire, Fantasy, & Dance

An electrifying evening of multi-keyboard virtuosity as two grand pianos and eight hands showcase the boundless sonic scale and dramatic intensity of the pianists. Elizabeth Han, Yizhuo Meng, Stanford Yu, and Ioannis Potamousis perform as a single, unified symphonic force. From the haunting, luminous lyricism of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise to the explosive, incendiary colors of Igor Stravinsky’s iconic The Firebird, this program explores the full emotional spectrum of movement, myth, and passion transformed through the expressive power of eight hands. The journey continues with a celebration of rhythmic brilliance and dramatic flair, featuring the operatic passion of Bizet’s Carmen Fantasy alongside dynamic, dance-infused masterworks. The ensemble brings infectious energy to Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Mambo from West Side Story, paired with Christos Papageorgiou’s vibrant, syncopated composition Mambo. Together, these works create a dialogue between classical symphonic narrative and modern dance rhythms, offering an unforgettable performance of orchestral depth and virtuosic showmanship. Program Charles Gounod (1818–1893) Waltz from Faust Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Renaud de Vilbac Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Heinrich Keller Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921) Danse Macabre, Op. 40 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Ernest Guiraud Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Siciliano from Flute Sonata in E-flat major, BWV 1031 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Mack Wilberg Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) Infernal Dance, Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Joo-Hye Lee, UAE Premier Christos Papageorgiou (b. 1967) Money Mambo Composed / Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Christos Papageorgiou, UAE Premier Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) Mambo from West Side Story Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Laurent Beeckmans Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Jirapat Leetrakulnumchai Georges Bizet (1838–1875) Carmen Fantasy Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Mack Wilberg Artist Ioannis Potamousis Ioannis Potamousis, described by the Pasatiempo as “New Colossus of the Keys”, is internationally acclaimed as a charismatic and passionate performer, known for his captivating artistry and introspective, poetic expression. “…Ioannis Potamousis impressed the audience with his powerful and charming performance as well as his ability to create a dialogue with the orchestra,” wrote the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger of his performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto. “Great brilliance…unique atmosphere,” said the Cincinnati Post. The Gulf News wrote: “…It was worth it just to listen to Potamousis play Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody. As we watched the pianist lose himself, we too became mesmerized by the music which took our breath away….”, “…anyone should watch Potamousis in action- he is thunderous one moment, comedic the next, then delicate as air. Potamousis’ performances have taken him to important international venues in Europe and the Middle East as well as across North America. He has played at the Athens Concert Hall, the international summer festival, and, on his Middle Eastern tour, at most major concert halls in Palestine. Ioannis has performed in all major venues in th