Music on Main presents Vicky Chow Plays Philip Glass Piano Etudes Book 2, in concert May 28.

The anticipated evening follows Chow’s sold-out performance last spring, where the Vancouver-raised, New York-based pianist amazed audiences with Philip Glass’ driving, hypnotic creations. Chow’s return will see her complete the renowned composer’s solo piano études by performing Book 2 in its entirety.

“In classical music, there are rare, singular works that simply cannot be contained within one evening. Creations like Bach’s cello suites or Shostakovich’s string quartets take on a special resonance when experienced in their entirety in short windows. Philip Glass’ piano etudes are undeniably such a creation,” says David Pay, Artistic Director of Music on Main. “Our longtime colleague and collaborator Vicky Chow stunned audiences with last spring’s performance of Book 1 (still available at the Music on Main YouTube channel, for those who missed it), and we could not be more thrilled to welcome her back to present the arc and beauty that comes with the completion of such emotionally resonant repertoire.”

Chow’s deep understanding of Philip Glass’ Piano Etudes is informed in part by her own connections with the composer, and their shared presence in New York City’s new music community. Chow is a long-time member of the famed Bang on a Can All-Stars, a six-member amplified ensemble recognized worldwide for their ultra-dynamic live performances and recordings of today’s most innovative music. She first met Glass while performing with him on stage, at the same piano, during one of the legendary Bang on a Can Marathons staged annually in the city.

Glass describes Chow’s renditions of these works as “a highly dynamic and expressive performance. There’s a certain energy that is uniquely hers” in her lauded 2022 recording of Etudes, Book 1. The Music on Main performance will mark Vancouver audiences’ first opportunity to hear the artist explore the music of Book 2, prior to Cantaloupe Music’s forthcoming album release of Chow performing the repertoire.