Martha Argerich Festival 2023

In the world of music Martha Argerich is a solitaire, admired by the public and ungrudgingly acknowledged by her colleagues. For as long as one can remember, she has worked with the greatest musicians of her time. After all, she is one of them herself!

But does that make her an aloof diva? On the contrary! Whether on stage or off, she is often a generous supporter. She is primarily concerned with personalities. Status, degree of fame, or age are not essential criteria, for her words like “authentic” and “devoted” are more important. This can be seen not least in those whom she invites to her projects.

She pays special attention to the young generation, which always deserves respect and support at an early stage. This concern unites Martha Argerich and Steinway, today as then: the mutual close and cordial bond was already established at the beginning of her career, when she won two of the most important international piano competitions (Geneva and Busoni) in her teens.

Of the times of day, she unquestionably prefers the late hours. So it is no wonder that she still rehearses at midnight after concerts, especially at festivals lasting several days like this one. It is typical of Martha Argerich to live out of the moment and make such special, if not unforgettable. Anyone who has heard her in concert once understands this immediately. We will experience it again here.

Through the Martha Argerich Festival, Hamburg is richly endowed every year. The organizing Symphoniker Hamburg cannot be thanked enough for this. Steinway is happy to be part of this project.