”Let's face it, Severin von Eckardstein is the greatest German pianist since the legendary Wilhelm Kempff. A gigantic repertoire at the age of 44, often off the beaten track; phenomenal virtuosity; a ductile touch and unheard-of colours that burst forth, at the service of a performer who is inhabited, humble and profound, who takes hold of the work, deploying his thoughts, his intuitions, his sense of architecture and narrative.” – L’OBS, Le Classique de Cassard

Severin von Eckardstein is one of the most respected piano artists of his generation. In Mänttä he will be remembered for some of the most stirring concerts in the festival's history. This year, Eckardstein comes to Mänttä for the fourth time. 

In the spirit of the early days of the festival, his concert programme will include both familiar favourites and a colourful collection of rarely heard gems of piano music. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mänttä Music Festival, Eckardstein has chosen to include Finnish piano music in his programme, with works by Ilmari Hannikainen.

Artistic Director of the Mänttä Music Festival Niklas Pokki introduces the concert in the Kivijärvi Hall at 18:00 (in Finnish). Estimated starting time of the intermission is 19:10. The concert ends approximately at 20:20.