Hélène Grimaud, piano

Hélène Grimaud returns to Baltimore for the first time in a decade with a solo recital centered on two landmark late works: Beethoven’s Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, and Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960. The program, titled “The Last Testament,” explores music of profound introspection, emotional intensity, lyricism, and transcendence.

Grimaud is recognized for performances that combine technical mastery with a highly individual artistic perspective. In addition to her international career as a pianist, she is a wildlife conservationist, human-rights advocate, and author. She founded New York State’s Wolf Conservation Center and has written four books. Her career includes collaborations with leading orchestras and conductors, numerous award-winning recordings, and honors including appointment as a Knight of France’s Légion d’honneur.

When: November 22, 2026.

Pre-concert talk: Anna Celenza of The Peabody Institute leads a pre-concert talk at 4:30 p.m. in Shriver Hall.

Performance length: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission.

Program: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, followed by Franz Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960.

Program details: Beethoven’s final piano sonata is a compact but expansive two-movement work. Its turbulent opening movement gives way to an extended Arietta and variations whose increasingly intricate textures culminate in a luminous, otherworldly conclusion. Schubert’s final sonata, completed less than two months before his death, combines intimate lyricism with symphonic scale. Its four movements move through spacious melody, ominous undertones, a delicate scherzo, and a restless, dramatically varied finale.

Performer: Hélène Grimaud, piano.

Venue: Shriver Hall, 3400 N. Charles St., Suite 14, Baltimore, MD 21218-2698.

Tickets: Price not available.

Note: The program is subject to change without notice.

Contact: Shriver Hall Concert Series can be reached at 410-516-7164 or info@shriverconcerts.org.