Daniil Trifonov, piano

Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov’s performances are a perpetual source of awe, combining consummate technique with rare sensitivity and depth. “He has everything and more… tenderness and also the demonic element. I never heard anything like that,” marveled pianist Martha Argerich. In his spectacular ascent of the classical music world as a solo artist, champion of the concerto repertoire, chamber and vocal collaborator and composer, Trifonov recently added his first Grammy for Best Instrumental Solo Album to his considerable string of honors – including Gramophone’s 2016 Artist of the Year. With “playing that can only be described as a visceral experience” (The Washington Post), Trifonov makes his dazzling Santa Barbara debut in an all-Bach program anchored by “The Art of Fugue.”