Benjamin Hochman Performs Rodríguez’ Epístolas for solo piano
Prepare to be immersed in a world of raw emotion as Iván Enrique Rodríguez's Epístolas takes center stage this March. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman will give voice to Epístolas — a deeply personal series of piano pieces that serve as musical letters, each addressing a unique emotional state.
Written in 2018, Epístolas explores the spectrum of human feeling: from the steady determination of purpose, to the haunting solitude of loneliness, the fire of rage, and the bittersweet pull of nostalgia. Each piece is a window into a deeply human experience, blending technical precision with raw, unfiltered emotion.
Alongside works by Saariaho and Salonen, the event also highlights Letters to Distant Cities by Will Stackpole, a new VoC commission that speaks to the separation and connection between composers during the pandemic. Stackpole’s work sets the tone for an evening that explores both the personal and professional ties between creators, making the concert’s title, "Letters to Distant Cities," all the more poignant.
Program:
Iván Enrique Rodríguez ✦ Epístolas (Epistles, 2018)
Jesse Brault ✦ Arcadia (2020)
Jonathan Cziner ✦ A Song Without Words from '7 Character Pieces' (2018)
Will Stackpole ✦ Letters to Distant Cities (2023-2024, world premiere – VoC commission)
Josquin arr. Wuorinen ✦ Ave Christe (16th Century; arr. 1988)
Kaija Saariaho ✦ Tocar (2010)
Esa-Pekka Salonen ✦ Arabesques for Olly (2022)
Magnus Lindberg ✦ Piano Trio (2008, arr. 2011-2012)
Event Details: 📍 First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX
📅 Saturday, March 15, 2025
🕒 3:00 PM CDT
This concert is a must-see for those who want to experience music that delves into the core of human emotions. Don’t miss it.
