The Silver-Garburg Piano Duo
Praised for their "lyric sensitivity, extraordinary inner perception and overwhelming technical mastering" (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo enjoys a flourishing international career, performing in more than forty countries on five continents. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg founded their duo in 1997 and within a few years became one of the most remarkable piano-duos on the international stage, gaining enthusiastic acclaim from music audiences and critics alike.
Their numerous concerts have taken them to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Berlin Philharmonie, Vienna Musikverein, Rome's New Auditorium, Finlandia Hall, Berlin Konzerthaus, Beijing National Radio, Teatro Colon and Palacio Nacional de Bellas Artes, to name a few.
The duo performs with numerous orchestras: The Israel Philharmonic, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Melbourne Symphony, Tchaikovsky Symphony “Fedoseyev”, Berlin Symphony, Jerusalem Symphony, NDR (North German Radio) Radiophilharmonie, Munich Chamber, Stuttgart Chamber, Israel Chamber, Israel Camerata, Israel Sinfonietta, Bucharest Philharmonic, Taipei Philharmonic, Chile Philharmonic, Mexico State Symphony, soloists of the Bayerischer Rundfunk and of the Bamberg Symphony, and many others.
They perform at festivals including the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Israel Festival, Tokyo Summer Festival, Kremlin Festival, Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker, Passau European Music-Weeks, Sommerkonzerte zwichen Donau und Altmühl, Riga Winterfest, St. Petersburg Palaces Festival, Cervantino Festival, Dresdner Tage der zeitgenössischen Musik, Festival Internacional de Segovia, Blanco e Negro Piano Festival, Burghofspiele in Eltville, Liepaja International Piano Star Festival, as well as Artists in Residence at the Canberra Chamber Music Festival and artistic directors of the Braunlager Maikonzerte in Germany.
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg research and perform many unknown works by major composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. They have an extensive repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary, including many works written for and dedicated to them. Their CDs have been released by JMC and NDR records.
Sivan Silver, born in Israel in 1976, and Gil Garburg, born in Israel in 1975, studied with Prof. Arie Vardi at the Rubin Music Academy of Tel-Aviv University and later at the "Hochschule für Musik und Theater" in Hanover, Germany. They won first prize in more than a dozen national and international competitions, both as soloists and as a duo.
Ms. Silver and Mr. Garburg present master- classes at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Sibelius Music Academy in Helsinki, Beijing Central Conservatory and the Tel- Hai International Piano Master- classes in Israel. In July 2004 they were jurors at the "IBLA Grand Prize" International Competition. Since October 2001 they have taught at the Hanover Musikhochschule in Germany.
“Two brilliant young Israeli pianists, Gil Garburg and Sivan Silver, combined their copious talents... a brilliantly articulated, rhythmically incisive, musicianly performance... one of the most thrilling and exciting versions of Ravel's "La Valse" it has been my pleasure to encounter.”
New York Concert Review, Harris Goldsmith
“Rarely comes a chamber music recital in Frankfurt to an end with such spontaneous bravo ovation...strong emotion eruptions and lyric sensitivity... an extraordinary inner perception of the mild tragic character... overwhelming technical mastering... This most compelling performance deserved the continuous applause.”
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, ist
“For the opening of the new concert season, one was served a sensational surprise: The young piano duo played an evening that made the listener hold his breath from the first bar and treated the public with pianistic Fireworks. …The tone synthesis was achieved so well that anything mechanical was avoided and instead magic and poetry glowed as wit and warmth refreshed the rich flowing passages… a transparent and noble tone that integrated the virtuosity into the structure.”
Fuldaer Zeitung, Nikolaus Frey
“Extraordinarily talented pianists... high degree of virtuosity... sensitive attentiveness and appropriately controlled romantic effusiveness... Between the forceful energies and the scintillating brilliance in the Poulenc two pianos concerto's fast movements, the softness and charm of its slow one came as something of a surprise, to say nothing of the accuracy and the polished technique.”
Jerusalem Post, Ury Eppstein
“An even more profound impression was made by the fully mature piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg in Mozart E flat major concerto. They offered a Mozart-playing which was close to perfection: beautifully toned, expressive and transparent, with the utmost care for details and yet with structure and great momentum. Not less exciting was the encore – which yet again demonstrated their world class.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Daniel Behrendt
“The piano duo of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were outstanding in concert which thoroughly deserved the two encores and ovation it received… This was the pick of the concerts I heard… From the opening bars the performance was captivating… Silver and Garburg demonstrated their excellent understanding and awareness of each other with fantastic, seamless interchanges between the two pianos… The brilliance of the performers was evident in the way they balanced the natural virtuosity of the composition with the delicate moments of shimmering beauty… What made the performance so impressive was the combination of brilliant emotional and dynamic contrast and extraordinary energy. The result was a performance which carried the audience along on an emotional, musical roller-coaster ride.”
The Canberra Times, Richard Windeyer
“Diverse and impressive, refined and uniquely charming was this meeting with two young exponents of the “young Guardia” of pianists. Brilliant virtuosi and sensitive interpreters alike… As if moulded together, Silver and Garburg’s playing presented the immense technical capabilities of the two. Moreover: the extraordinary diversity of colours, the finely executed rhythmic elements, the arching soft lyricism – all wonderfully thought of to the smallest detail. The exquisite balance, as well as the technical assurance, were admirable … Pianistic fireworks were presented in all possible finesse.”
Westfälische Nachrichten, jüs
“The inspiring and compelling way of playing piano music at the highest level and not least the surprising genius technique together with legendry atmosphere created a magic dance of flying fingers (in Stravinsky’s Petrushka) which bewitched the audience. Silver and Garburg stand at the starting position to the international piano duo elite… already from the first bars (of the Schubert fantasy) one felt that shiver… The Bravo Cascade was not exaggerated.”
Main Echo, fjd
“Four hands in complete unity explored the full palate of the Steinway’s sonorities. The duo mastered the great art of soft and effortless touch… again and again they sensitively balanced Schubert’s accented and powerful elements with great tranquillity and an unwavering feel for tonal subtlety and beauty. Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde” was as touching… Debussy’s “petite suite” was almost rejuvenating… superb sound quality, breathtaking velocity and amazing lightness (in Mendelssohn’s Allegro Brillant)… showering ovations, bravos and encores ended the evening with Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, whose names should not be forgotten.”
Westdeutsche Zeitung, Kristin Wachenfeld
“The four-hand piano version of the score (Stravinsky’s Petrushka) was expertly, indeed exquisitely executed by magnificent duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg who showed great sensitivity to the interplay between diatonic (major and minor) and octatonic sonorities, and highlighted the interplay between the Russian and French folksongs that Stravinsky integrated into the scenes… The performance was a great success.”
Princeton University Press, Simon Morrison
“Tour de force of fine piano playing… The playing (of Mozart concerto) was formidably precise, but what was unexpected was the entirely natural, flexible manner in which these young players responded to one another and to the orchestra. One just does not encounter Mozart playing like this, nowadays. It was like a throwback to the days of Edwin Fischer or Clara Haskil, when pianists were not ashamed to take a bit of extra time to emphasize a dramatic point or press ahead slightly to turn up the excitement level. Silver and Garburg never exaggerated these gestures, just used them to the fullest.
The Poulenc concerto was simply a delight. There were all the Parisian ingredients… all played with vivid spontaneity.”
Spokesman Review, Travis Rivers
“It was an evening of Beauty and intimacy. Everything was beautiful and magical. The Chamber Ensemble of the Bavarian Radio Symphony played together with the outstanding pianists Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg so colourfully… As if the beauty was not sufficient followed after the intermission Mendelssohn’s “midsummer night’s dream” in the original version for piano, four hands. Silver and Garburg were two on the Steinway but played as guided by one spirit. The unity was perfect, every detail was thought of together. No one would miss the orchestral version at such a performance. One found the one piano version even more colourful and full of light. In the Notturno one had goose-flesh at the back; it was a sounding enveloping harmony.”
Passauer Neue Presse, Stefan Apfelbeck
“When grown up men show their emotions in public, a truly overwhelming experience must have preceded... Goose flesh in “Fantaisie Tableaux” by Sergej Rachmaninov. First an enthralling “Barcarolle”, then “Night...Love”, in which the duo celebrated an amorous feast with their hands and glances. The other movements followed with an exhaustlessly sensitive energy. Cheers and foot stamping thanked the duo... Smoothly balanced between thrilling intonation and tender romance the audience experienced the Fantasia in F minor by Franz Schubert. Silver let the deep-romantic theme sound noble and glowing, while Garburg played the expressive part with inimitable lightness… The audience bestowed standing enthusiastic applause and obtained three encores, each more brilliant than the other.”
Hamburger Abendblatt, Sieglinde Landsberg
“The four hands seemed to belong to a single body, so accurate and precise was the coordination between the two players. This was remarkable especially in Rubato passages, as well as in the rapid dynamic changes: the chemistry works… and the public acknowledged it: Already after the first half they kept applauding for a long time and after the concert they thanked the artists with Bravos and Standing ovations.”
Westfallen Allgemeiner Zeitung, Michael Trost
“What a Wondrous evening it was… I sat enthralled and listened enraptured to the enchanting pieces played by Gil Garburg and Sivan Silver from Israel. Sivan Silver was divine… Gil Garburg held show like a master showman… They played like world performers, which they were.”
The Independent, Robert Clements
“The two musicians understand each other superbly… Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg mastered the works with great virtuosity and enormous emotional expression.”
Neue Presse, Ge
“We have been treated to a performance by the Silver-Garburg piano duo, nothing less then awesome in their brilliance and taking Manila by storm.”
Manila Bulletin, Leonor Orosa Goquingco
“The young, attractive duo was so strikingly brilliant, that this listener felt it would have been a “crime” to miss a single note of the renditions - from the opening piece to the closing.”
The Philippine Star, Rosalinda L. Orosa
“Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were a sensation… It is almost impossible to imagine a more beautiful chamber music making.”
Goslarsche Zeitung, Gerhard Melchert
“When piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg perform, they don’t just play. Each becomes one with the instrument… They coaxed their pianos to sing.”
The Jewish Post and News, Matt Bellan
“The future belongs to the piano duo Silver and Garburg… They impressed through perfection and power… Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg always struck at the core of the works and managed unfailingly to reveal the quintessence of the pieces.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Günther Helms
“A formidable concert of young Israeli pianists, who justified their big international reputation… magnificent musical celebration of splendid interpretations… They complement each other wonderfully, maintaining absolute unity without decline of their individual characteristics.”
Últimas Noticias, Juan H. Desiderio
“They demonstrated a high order of mutual understanding and an outstanding standard of ensemble... fine sense of the score's architecture... poetic feeling and impressive virtuosity.”
The Ottawa Citizen, Richard Todd
“Passionate and intensive youthful spirit, and vivid energy which burst out of the two players feeling that the sky is the limit - that was the atmosphere at the two pianos recital of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg... The joyfulness and playfulness conquered the stage as well as the heart of the public... Great talent.”
Haaretz, Noam Ben-Zeev
“Silver and Garburg obtained supreme instrumental faculties and musical maturity. …They played with technical ease and perfect harmony. The coordination in phrasing and timing was overwhelming. The audience raved at the best concert of the season.”
A Szabadság, Morvay István
“They created with their 20 fingers a lively play and transferred the Russian fair of the first act plastically through the music tones alone. The fingers of Sivan Silver flirted with those of Gil Garburg as if they were transformed into the rolls of the Ballerina and the Moor. A couple of bad tempered notes from the poor Petrushka – and the first act was perfect. The others followed, not less entertaining.”
Hamburger Abendblatt, hbr
“After Sunday’s concert the listeners claimed “There couldn’t be a better beginning to the new year”. The audience applauded with enthusiastic ovations to the Israeli piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg after a brilliantly executed program, and did not spare with Bravos and legs rocking.”
Darmstädter echo, Georg Marstrand
“The Israelis overwhelmed the public by their majestic movements, flawless technique and the gentleness of the melodic lines. The program began with the concerto for two pianos and orchestras by Mozart, during which the delighted public was in profound silence. The Carnaval des Animaux stirred the audience who couldn’t wait to stand up and applaud to the talent of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, the stars of the night. Simply fabulous.”
El Diario de Hoy, Claudia Núñez
“One can praise the virtuosic brilliance, the playing with each other as if molded together, the fine expression (as in the hidden elegiac melodic elements in “le Sacre”). Still, words fall way behind the impression of the elevating experience… Silver and Garburg penetrated to the heart of the music under the notes skin.”
Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung
“In playing the concerto for two pianos by Mozart, Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were a real incarnation of a symbiosis of two who are in one mind and heart. A delightful couple! There is a lot of pleasure and pride in hearing such talented and successful Israelis.”
Maariv, Ora Binur
“They made a perfect ensemble, not only in the seamless coordination but also in the absolute unity of musical perception. Their wonderful diversity of sonorities and their sensitive yet dramatic expression powers combined with limitless pianistic abilities enchanted the listeners.”
Goslarsche Zeitung, Marlanne van Wezel
“Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg harmonized with each other perfectly throughout the concert and built a homogenous sound. While during the first half the artists’ temperament virtually erupted, in the second half they became serious, thinking poets at the piano. In both works by Schubert, the Rondo D. 951 and the Allegro D. 947, they created sound delicacy and profound depth. The duo succeeded in presenting a first rate piano recital, that the public will certainly remember for a long time. The justified, long ovations were awarded with many encores. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg are two names that one must remember, for they will surely conquer the world’s stages within a few years.”
Neuß Brevenbroicher Zeitung, Gerion Vieten
“It would be fair to say that last week’s performance by two young Israeli pianist is one which will stay in the memory of everyone… it is a joy to see them at work… sending the audience out in a glow of satisfaction accompanied by admiration for the young duo whose confession of the composer’s works had been so complete and so rewarding.”
Bangkok Post, Bernie Cooper
“The two exploit all the possible sonorities that the Steinway could have imaginably offered. From lyric tones to wild great forte and again to the humoristic-grotesque: A full orchestra was replaced by the two musicians through virtuosic playing.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Johannes Dorndorf
“The highlight of the evening was the ‘Concerto for Two Pianos’ in D minor by Francis Poulenc. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg joined the orchestra for one of the most inspired live performances of this work. Sivan Silver was all intensity and fire, and Garburg was about atmosphere and shading, approaching with the laidback energy of a jazzman… Passionate playing, accentuating the marvelous sense of colliding ideas that flow continually throughout the three movements… The exotic atmosphere between players and orchestra was perfection itself.”
Greenwich Time, Jeffrey Johnson
“The young pianists offered a truly superb performance. Their four hands playing created a memorable concert. The evening will remain unforgettable first and foremost thanks to the artists, and only then thanks to the exquisite program. Simply as a piano duo announced, the fully matured musicians presented a unity of amazing depth… How joyously the tones hopped side by side, softly caressed each other and then stormed into the climax, was breathtaking to hear.”
Höchster Kreisblatt, Hans Krautstein
“They came again, electrifying with pure enthusiasm and compelled the public to standing ovations. The playing of pianists Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg was immerged into much more than “only” a duo – they became one and served together as a medium to their music. …Sivan Silver played at the upper register illuminating filigree textures (in Mendelssohn’s midsummer night’s dream) with absolute, powerful, yet delicate and airy touch. Gil Garburg gave his partner depth and volume – both became spectacularly one. After the intermission, a different spirit was presented in Schumann’s Quartet op. 47. The virtuosity flowed through the rhythmical elements and burst into a rich flourishing sound that created a physically pleasing sensation.”
Hertner Allgemeine Zeitung, Stefan Pieper
Concert with Artis Quartet at the Musikverein in Vienna
In December 2009, The Silver Garburg Piano Duo is guest of the Artis String Quartet at their concert series at the Musikverein in Vienna. The program includes works for two, four and six players.
Autumn Piano Festival in Warsaw
A Performance of Mendelssohn Concerto for two pianos and orchestra takes place at the Autumn Piano Festival in Warsaw, November 2009. This is the duo’s debut concert in Poland.
Tour with Munich Chamber Orchestra
In September 2009, the duo is invited to perform a concert tour in South America together with the Munich Chamber Orchestra. They will play the Concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E flat major by Mozart under Maestro Alexander Liebreich.
International Keyboard Institute Festival in New York
In July 2009, Silver and Garburg perform and teach for a week at the International Keyboard Institute Festival at the Mannes school of music, New York.
Australian orchestral tour
Sivan and Gil perform with major orchestras in Australia in June 2009. They are guest soloists of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Queensland Symphony and the Tasmanian Symphony in Australia, among others with Maestro Eivind Aadland and Maestro Yan Pascal Totelier.
Tour in China
The duo tours China during March 2009. Concerts take place at Beijing Poly Theatre, Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre, Wuhan Qintai Grand Theatre, Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Dongguan Yulan Grand Theatre, Nanjing Concert Hall and Hangzhou Grand Theatre.
Mendelssohn and Veress with the Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo performs the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E major by Mendelssohn and the “Hommage á Paul Klee” by Veress, together with the Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic, in January 2009.
Berlin Symphony Orchestra at Berlin Philharmonie hall
Sivan and Gil are invited to play for the second time with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. They will perform the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in A flat major by Mendelssohn. The concerts take place at the big hall of the Berlin Philharmonie.
Israel Symphony Orchestra
To begin the Mendelssohn Anniversary Year 2009, the duo performs the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E Major by Mendelssohn together with the Israel Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Dan Ettinger. In addition to four concerts, Sivan and Gil perform a chamber music program with members of the orchestra, and play Saint Säens’ Carnival of the Animals at the orchestra’s family concert.
Prague and Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestras
The duo is invited to play with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra as well as with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, both in 2009.
Recital at the Konzerthaus in Berlin
In November 2008, The Silver Garburg Piano Duo presents a recital at the big hall of the “Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt” in Berlin.
A special musical event at the Mendelssohn Festival in Koblenz
In September 2008, the Silver Garburg Piano Duo is centred in a three part concert at the Mendelssohn Festival in Koblenz. The concert, titled “Duo Plus”, features many works for piano duo as well as chamber works for piano duo with other instruments: Bartók Sonata with percussion, Bach Concerto BWV 1061 with a string quartet, Schumann Quintet with two celli and horn, Mendessohn Italian Symphony with Violin and Viola and Schoenberg Intermezzi from “Gurre-Lieder” in Webern’s transcription for two pianos, eight hands.
A shared program with Kuss Quartet
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo joins the Kuss Quartet for concerts at the “Niedersächsische Musiktage” festival in September 2008. Both piano duo and string quartet play Beethoven “Grosse Fuge” op. 134 in the composer’s perspective versions for their ensembles.
Tel-Hai International Piano Masterclass
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg are invited to join the faculty of the international master- classes for the third time. They present the piano-duo course together with pianist Nicolai Petrov.
“The Little Mermaid” with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo performs eight concerts with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane. This is the Australian premiere of “The Little Mermaid” by composer Lior Navok. The composition is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s masterpiece.
Third Braunlager Maikonzerte
Following the successful second Braunlager Maikonzerte, the third edition of the festival, under the artistic directorship of Gil Garburg, takes place on the 23rd to 25th May 2008. This year the festival is proud to present the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Soloists, clarinettist Sharon Kam with Johannes Peitz and Marcus Becker, pianist Sa Chen and The Silver Garburg Piano Duo.
Bach and Weidberg premiere with Israel Sinfonietta
Ron Weidberg’s “Concerto after drafts by Prokoffiev” is premiered by Sivan and Gil, together with the Israel Sinfonietta and Maestro Doron Salomon, in March 2008. The program includes also the concerto for two pianos in C Major, BWV1061, by J. S. Bach.
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
In January 2008, the duo performs together with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and Maestro Andrew Massey. This is the Hong Kong premiere of “The Little Mermaid” for two pianos and orchestra by Israeli composer Lior Navok.
A new concert series of the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo
The Israeli Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv presents a new concert series of the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo, during the concert seasons 2007-8 and 2008-9. Each recital displays works for two pianists by Schubert, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky.
Bruch concerto with Bucharest Philharmonic
Silver and Garburg perform the two pianos concerto by Bruch with the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra “George Enescu”, under the baton of Maestro Horia Andreescu. The concerts take place at the Romanian Atheneum in October 2007.
Dresden Contemporary Music Festival and Berlin Konzerthaus
Two “Quintets for six players”, for piano, four hands and string quartet, written by composers Gerhard Stäbler and Yinam Leef, are premiered in October 2007 by the duo and the Vogler Quartet at the Dresden Festival. The following week, Sivan and Gil are guests of the Vogler String Quartet at their concert series at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, performing works for two, four and six players.
“Rite of Spring” at Hitzacker Festival
The duo performs Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” in the composer’s original version for piano, four hands. The concert takes place at the “62nd Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker” and is broadcast by NDR (North German Radio).
“Sommerkonzerte” festival with members of Bamberg Symphony
A premiere of “The Little Mermaid” by Lior Navok as well as Saint Säens Carnaval of the Animals takes place at the “Sommerkonzerte” festival in Ingolstadt in July 2007. Sivan and Gil perform together with actor Hans Jürgen Schatz and members of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.
Concerti by Mozart and a Shohat premiere with Israel Chamber Orchestra
The duo joins the Israel Chamber Orchestra in the season’s concluding four concerts in July 2007. The programs include both concerti by Mozart K. 242 and K. 365 and the premiere of the newly commissioned concerto for piano, four hands by Gil Shohat.
Bruch Concerto with Berlin Symphony at Berlin Philharmonie and Konzerthaus
Two performances are held at the Berlin Philharmonie and the Berlin Konzerthaus in May 2007. The duo performs the rarely played concerto for two pianos and orchestra by Bruch, together with Maestro Lior Shambadal and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.
Mozart concerto with Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie
Sivan and Gil collaborate with Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie (German Chamber Philharmonic), interpreting the Mozart concerto in E flat major, K. 365. The concert takes place without a conductor, thus emphasizing Mozart chamber character of the work.
Braunlager Maikonzerte
The second Braunlager Maikonzerte, in which Gil serves as the artistic director, is held in May 2007 between the 18th and the 20th. The festival’s four concerts feature the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, the Silver - Garburg Piano Duo, pianist Martin Helmchen and the Vogler String Quartet. The festival is recorded and broadcast by NDR.
Artists in residence at the Canberra Chamber Music Festival
In April 2007, Sivan and Gil return in the 5th time to meet their friends and fans in Canberra, Australia. Their performances include, among others, an Australian Premiere of “The King’s Stamp” by Benjamin Britten as well as Bartok’s Sonata for two pianos and percussion. They also conduct master classes at the Australian National University and record to ABC.
USA tour: “Tour de force of fine piano playing”
US tour in Feb. 2007 included performances of the Concerti for two pianos by Mozart and Poulenc as well as recitals for two pianos and piano, four hands. The duo gained raving ovations both from the public and the press, which equalled their playing to that of Edwin Fischer or Clara Haskil.
Japan Tour in Jan. 2007
Following recordings for Hong Kong Radio, Sivan and Gil headed for their third visit to Japan, where they performed three recitals in Tokyo and Osaka to enthusiastic audiences. In addition to repertoire for two pianos, they performed a new piano, four hands program including Schubert Grand Duo and Stravinsky Rite of Spring.
New Commission: Concerto for piano, four hands by Gil Shohat
Israeli composer Gil Shohat has completed the score of a concerto for one piano, four hands and chamber orchestra, written for the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo. The Premiere will take place with the Israel Chamber Orchestra.
New Review: Mozart Concerto with Maestro Eiji Oue
“An even more profound impression was made by the fully mature piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg in Mozart E flat major concerto. They offered a Mozart-playing which was close to perfection: beautifully toned, expressive and transparent, with the utmost care for details and yet with structure and great momentum. Not less exciting was the encore – which yet again demonstrated their world class.”
Reviewed by Daniel Behrendt, Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, 25.11.2006.
Concerti by Poulenc and Scholz with Taipei Philharmonic
The Duo collaborated with the Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra and their musical director, Maestro Tien-Chi Lin, performing the concerti for two pianos by Francis Poulenc, as well the large scale concerto by Austrian composer Robert Scholz. The concert took place in Sep. 2006 at the Taiwan National Concert Hall.
Concerti by Bruch, Saint-Säens and Ravel with Maestro Enrique Batiz
In a Mexican tour in summer 2006 Sivan and Gil performed the concerto for two pianos by Bruch and “Carnaval des Animeaux” by Saint- Säens with the Mexico State Symphony and Maestro Enrique Batiz. Gil also performed with the Maestro the concerto for the left hand by Ravel, while Sivan played two solo recitals at “Blanco e Negro” piano festival.
Suchmaschinenoptimierung Aleksej Nazarenko im Auftrag von united units berlin.
Praised for their "lyric sensitivity, extraordinary inner perception and overwhelming technical mastering" (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo enjoys a flourishing international career, performing in more than forty countries on five continents. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg founded their duo in 1997 and within a few years became one of the most remarkable piano-duos on the international stage, gaining enthusiastic acclaim from music audiences and critics alike.
Their numerous concerts have taken them to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Berlin Philharmonie, Vienna Musikverein, Rome's New Auditorium, Finlandia Hall, Berlin Konzerthaus, Beijing National Radio, Teatro Colon and Palacio Nacional de Bellas Artes, to name a few.
The duo performs with numerous orchestras: The Israel Philharmonic, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Melbourne Symphony, Tchaikovsky Symphony “Fedoseyev”, Berlin Symphony, Jerusalem Symphony, NDR (North German Radio) Radiophilharmonie, Munich Chamber, Stuttgart Chamber, Israel Chamber, Israel Camerata, Israel Sinfonietta, Bucharest Philharmonic, Taipei Philharmonic, Chile Philharmonic, Mexico State Symphony, soloists of the Bayerischer Rundfunk and of the Bamberg Symphony, and many others.
They perform at festivals including the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Israel Festival, Tokyo Summer Festival, Kremlin Festival, Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker, Passau European Music-Weeks, Sommerkonzerte zwichen Donau und Altmühl, Riga Winterfest, St. Petersburg Palaces Festival, Cervantino Festival, Dresdner Tage der zeitgenössischen Musik, Festival Internacional de Segovia, Blanco e Negro Piano Festival, Burghofspiele in Eltville, Liepaja International Piano Star Festival, as well as Artists in Residence at the Canberra Chamber Music Festival and artistic directors of the Braunlager Maikonzerte in Germany.
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg research and perform many unknown works by major composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. They have an extensive repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary, including many works written for and dedicated to them. Their CDs have been released by JMC and NDR records.
Sivan Silver, born in Israel in 1976, and Gil Garburg, born in Israel in 1975, studied with Prof. Arie Vardi at the Rubin Music Academy of Tel-Aviv University and later at the "Hochschule für Musik und Theater" in Hanover, Germany. They won first prize in more than a dozen national and international competitions, both as soloists and as a duo.
Ms. Silver and Mr. Garburg present master- classes at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Sibelius Music Academy in Helsinki, Beijing Central Conservatory and the Tel- Hai International Piano Master- classes in Israel. In July 2004 they were jurors at the "IBLA Grand Prize" International Competition. Since October 2001 they have taught at the Hanover Musikhochschule in Germany.
“Two brilliant young Israeli pianists, Gil Garburg and Sivan Silver, combined their copious talents... a brilliantly articulated, rhythmically incisive, musicianly performance... one of the most thrilling and exciting versions of Ravel's "La Valse" it has been my pleasure to encounter.”
New York Concert Review, Harris Goldsmith
“Rarely comes a chamber music recital in Frankfurt to an end with such spontaneous bravo ovation...strong emotion eruptions and lyric sensitivity... an extraordinary inner perception of the mild tragic character... overwhelming technical mastering... This most compelling performance deserved the continuous applause.”
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, ist
“For the opening of the new concert season, one was served a sensational surprise: The young piano duo played an evening that made the listener hold his breath from the first bar and treated the public with pianistic Fireworks. …The tone synthesis was achieved so well that anything mechanical was avoided and instead magic and poetry glowed as wit and warmth refreshed the rich flowing passages… a transparent and noble tone that integrated the virtuosity into the structure.”
Fuldaer Zeitung, Nikolaus Frey
“Extraordinarily talented pianists... high degree of virtuosity... sensitive attentiveness and appropriately controlled romantic effusiveness... Between the forceful energies and the scintillating brilliance in the Poulenc two pianos concerto's fast movements, the softness and charm of its slow one came as something of a surprise, to say nothing of the accuracy and the polished technique.”
Jerusalem Post, Ury Eppstein
“An even more profound impression was made by the fully mature piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg in Mozart E flat major concerto. They offered a Mozart-playing which was close to perfection: beautifully toned, expressive and transparent, with the utmost care for details and yet with structure and great momentum. Not less exciting was the encore – which yet again demonstrated their world class.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Daniel Behrendt
“The piano duo of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were outstanding in concert which thoroughly deserved the two encores and ovation it received… This was the pick of the concerts I heard… From the opening bars the performance was captivating… Silver and Garburg demonstrated their excellent understanding and awareness of each other with fantastic, seamless interchanges between the two pianos… The brilliance of the performers was evident in the way they balanced the natural virtuosity of the composition with the delicate moments of shimmering beauty… What made the performance so impressive was the combination of brilliant emotional and dynamic contrast and extraordinary energy. The result was a performance which carried the audience along on an emotional, musical roller-coaster ride.”
The Canberra Times, Richard Windeyer
“Diverse and impressive, refined and uniquely charming was this meeting with two young exponents of the “young Guardia” of pianists. Brilliant virtuosi and sensitive interpreters alike… As if moulded together, Silver and Garburg’s playing presented the immense technical capabilities of the two. Moreover: the extraordinary diversity of colours, the finely executed rhythmic elements, the arching soft lyricism – all wonderfully thought of to the smallest detail. The exquisite balance, as well as the technical assurance, were admirable … Pianistic fireworks were presented in all possible finesse.”
Westfälische Nachrichten, jüs
“The inspiring and compelling way of playing piano music at the highest level and not least the surprising genius technique together with legendry atmosphere created a magic dance of flying fingers (in Stravinsky’s Petrushka) which bewitched the audience. Silver and Garburg stand at the starting position to the international piano duo elite… already from the first bars (of the Schubert fantasy) one felt that shiver… The Bravo Cascade was not exaggerated.”
Main Echo, fjd
“Four hands in complete unity explored the full palate of the Steinway’s sonorities. The duo mastered the great art of soft and effortless touch… again and again they sensitively balanced Schubert’s accented and powerful elements with great tranquillity and an unwavering feel for tonal subtlety and beauty. Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde” was as touching… Debussy’s “petite suite” was almost rejuvenating… superb sound quality, breathtaking velocity and amazing lightness (in Mendelssohn’s Allegro Brillant)… showering ovations, bravos and encores ended the evening with Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, whose names should not be forgotten.”
Westdeutsche Zeitung, Kristin Wachenfeld
“The four-hand piano version of the score (Stravinsky’s Petrushka) was expertly, indeed exquisitely executed by magnificent duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg who showed great sensitivity to the interplay between diatonic (major and minor) and octatonic sonorities, and highlighted the interplay between the Russian and French folksongs that Stravinsky integrated into the scenes… The performance was a great success.”
Princeton University Press, Simon Morrison
“Tour de force of fine piano playing… The playing (of Mozart concerto) was formidably precise, but what was unexpected was the entirely natural, flexible manner in which these young players responded to one another and to the orchestra. One just does not encounter Mozart playing like this, nowadays. It was like a throwback to the days of Edwin Fischer or Clara Haskil, when pianists were not ashamed to take a bit of extra time to emphasize a dramatic point or press ahead slightly to turn up the excitement level. Silver and Garburg never exaggerated these gestures, just used them to the fullest.
The Poulenc concerto was simply a delight. There were all the Parisian ingredients… all played with vivid spontaneity.”
Spokesman Review, Travis Rivers
“It was an evening of Beauty and intimacy. Everything was beautiful and magical. The Chamber Ensemble of the Bavarian Radio Symphony played together with the outstanding pianists Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg so colourfully… As if the beauty was not sufficient followed after the intermission Mendelssohn’s “midsummer night’s dream” in the original version for piano, four hands. Silver and Garburg were two on the Steinway but played as guided by one spirit. The unity was perfect, every detail was thought of together. No one would miss the orchestral version at such a performance. One found the one piano version even more colourful and full of light. In the Notturno one had goose-flesh at the back; it was a sounding enveloping harmony.”
Passauer Neue Presse, Stefan Apfelbeck
“When grown up men show their emotions in public, a truly overwhelming experience must have preceded... Goose flesh in “Fantaisie Tableaux” by Sergej Rachmaninov. First an enthralling “Barcarolle”, then “Night...Love”, in which the duo celebrated an amorous feast with their hands and glances. The other movements followed with an exhaustlessly sensitive energy. Cheers and foot stamping thanked the duo... Smoothly balanced between thrilling intonation and tender romance the audience experienced the Fantasia in F minor by Franz Schubert. Silver let the deep-romantic theme sound noble and glowing, while Garburg played the expressive part with inimitable lightness… The audience bestowed standing enthusiastic applause and obtained three encores, each more brilliant than the other.”
Hamburger Abendblatt, Sieglinde Landsberg
“The four hands seemed to belong to a single body, so accurate and precise was the coordination between the two players. This was remarkable especially in Rubato passages, as well as in the rapid dynamic changes: the chemistry works… and the public acknowledged it: Already after the first half they kept applauding for a long time and after the concert they thanked the artists with Bravos and Standing ovations.”
Westfallen Allgemeiner Zeitung, Michael Trost
“What a Wondrous evening it was… I sat enthralled and listened enraptured to the enchanting pieces played by Gil Garburg and Sivan Silver from Israel. Sivan Silver was divine… Gil Garburg held show like a master showman… They played like world performers, which they were.”
The Independent, Robert Clements
“The two musicians understand each other superbly… Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg mastered the works with great virtuosity and enormous emotional expression.”
Neue Presse, Ge
“We have been treated to a performance by the Silver-Garburg piano duo, nothing less then awesome in their brilliance and taking Manila by storm.”
Manila Bulletin, Leonor Orosa Goquingco
“The young, attractive duo was so strikingly brilliant, that this listener felt it would have been a “crime” to miss a single note of the renditions - from the opening piece to the closing.”
The Philippine Star, Rosalinda L. Orosa
“Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were a sensation… It is almost impossible to imagine a more beautiful chamber music making.”
Goslarsche Zeitung, Gerhard Melchert
“When piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg perform, they don’t just play. Each becomes one with the instrument… They coaxed their pianos to sing.”
The Jewish Post and News, Matt Bellan
“The future belongs to the piano duo Silver and Garburg… They impressed through perfection and power… Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg always struck at the core of the works and managed unfailingly to reveal the quintessence of the pieces.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Günther Helms
“A formidable concert of young Israeli pianists, who justified their big international reputation… magnificent musical celebration of splendid interpretations… They complement each other wonderfully, maintaining absolute unity without decline of their individual characteristics.”
Últimas Noticias, Juan H. Desiderio
“They demonstrated a high order of mutual understanding and an outstanding standard of ensemble... fine sense of the score's architecture... poetic feeling and impressive virtuosity.”
The Ottawa Citizen, Richard Todd
“Passionate and intensive youthful spirit, and vivid energy which burst out of the two players feeling that the sky is the limit - that was the atmosphere at the two pianos recital of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg... The joyfulness and playfulness conquered the stage as well as the heart of the public... Great talent.”
Haaretz, Noam Ben-Zeev
“Silver and Garburg obtained supreme instrumental faculties and musical maturity. …They played with technical ease and perfect harmony. The coordination in phrasing and timing was overwhelming. The audience raved at the best concert of the season.”
A Szabadság, Morvay István
“They created with their 20 fingers a lively play and transferred the Russian fair of the first act plastically through the music tones alone. The fingers of Sivan Silver flirted with those of Gil Garburg as if they were transformed into the rolls of the Ballerina and the Moor. A couple of bad tempered notes from the poor Petrushka – and the first act was perfect. The others followed, not less entertaining.”
Hamburger Abendblatt, hbr
“After Sunday’s concert the listeners claimed “There couldn’t be a better beginning to the new year”. The audience applauded with enthusiastic ovations to the Israeli piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg after a brilliantly executed program, and did not spare with Bravos and legs rocking.”
Darmstädter echo, Georg Marstrand
“The Israelis overwhelmed the public by their majestic movements, flawless technique and the gentleness of the melodic lines. The program began with the concerto for two pianos and orchestras by Mozart, during which the delighted public was in profound silence. The Carnaval des Animaux stirred the audience who couldn’t wait to stand up and applaud to the talent of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg, the stars of the night. Simply fabulous.”
El Diario de Hoy, Claudia Núñez
“One can praise the virtuosic brilliance, the playing with each other as if molded together, the fine expression (as in the hidden elegiac melodic elements in “le Sacre”). Still, words fall way behind the impression of the elevating experience… Silver and Garburg penetrated to the heart of the music under the notes skin.”
Hildesheimer Allgemeine Zeitung
“In playing the concerto for two pianos by Mozart, Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg were a real incarnation of a symbiosis of two who are in one mind and heart. A delightful couple! There is a lot of pleasure and pride in hearing such talented and successful Israelis.”
Maariv, Ora Binur
“They made a perfect ensemble, not only in the seamless coordination but also in the absolute unity of musical perception. Their wonderful diversity of sonorities and their sensitive yet dramatic expression powers combined with limitless pianistic abilities enchanted the listeners.”
Goslarsche Zeitung, Marlanne van Wezel
“Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg harmonized with each other perfectly throughout the concert and built a homogenous sound. While during the first half the artists’ temperament virtually erupted, in the second half they became serious, thinking poets at the piano. In both works by Schubert, the Rondo D. 951 and the Allegro D. 947, they created sound delicacy and profound depth. The duo succeeded in presenting a first rate piano recital, that the public will certainly remember for a long time. The justified, long ovations were awarded with many encores. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg are two names that one must remember, for they will surely conquer the world’s stages within a few years.”
Neuß Brevenbroicher Zeitung, Gerion Vieten
“It would be fair to say that last week’s performance by two young Israeli pianist is one which will stay in the memory of everyone… it is a joy to see them at work… sending the audience out in a glow of satisfaction accompanied by admiration for the young duo whose confession of the composer’s works had been so complete and so rewarding.”
Bangkok Post, Bernie Cooper
“The two exploit all the possible sonorities that the Steinway could have imaginably offered. From lyric tones to wild great forte and again to the humoristic-grotesque: A full orchestra was replaced by the two musicians through virtuosic playing.”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, Johannes Dorndorf
“The highlight of the evening was the ‘Concerto for Two Pianos’ in D minor by Francis Poulenc. Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg joined the orchestra for one of the most inspired live performances of this work. Sivan Silver was all intensity and fire, and Garburg was about atmosphere and shading, approaching with the laidback energy of a jazzman… Passionate playing, accentuating the marvelous sense of colliding ideas that flow continually throughout the three movements… The exotic atmosphere between players and orchestra was perfection itself.”
Greenwich Time, Jeffrey Johnson
“The young pianists offered a truly superb performance. Their four hands playing created a memorable concert. The evening will remain unforgettable first and foremost thanks to the artists, and only then thanks to the exquisite program. Simply as a piano duo announced, the fully matured musicians presented a unity of amazing depth… How joyously the tones hopped side by side, softly caressed each other and then stormed into the climax, was breathtaking to hear.”
Höchster Kreisblatt, Hans Krautstein
“They came again, electrifying with pure enthusiasm and compelled the public to standing ovations. The playing of pianists Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg was immerged into much more than “only” a duo – they became one and served together as a medium to their music. …Sivan Silver played at the upper register illuminating filigree textures (in Mendelssohn’s midsummer night’s dream) with absolute, powerful, yet delicate and airy touch. Gil Garburg gave his partner depth and volume – both became spectacularly one. After the intermission, a different spirit was presented in Schumann’s Quartet op. 47. The virtuosity flowed through the rhythmical elements and burst into a rich flourishing sound that created a physically pleasing sensation.”
Hertner Allgemeine Zeitung, Stefan Pieper
Concert with Artis Quartet at the Musikverein in Vienna
In December 2009, The Silver Garburg Piano Duo is guest of the Artis String Quartet at their concert series at the Musikverein in Vienna. The program includes works for two, four and six players.
Autumn Piano Festival in Warsaw
A Performance of Mendelssohn Concerto for two pianos and orchestra takes place at the Autumn Piano Festival in Warsaw, November 2009. This is the duo’s debut concert in Poland.
Tour with Munich Chamber Orchestra
In September 2009, the duo is invited to perform a concert tour in South America together with the Munich Chamber Orchestra. They will play the Concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E flat major by Mozart under Maestro Alexander Liebreich.
International Keyboard Institute Festival in New York
In July 2009, Silver and Garburg perform and teach for a week at the International Keyboard Institute Festival at the Mannes school of music, New York.
Australian orchestral tour
Sivan and Gil perform with major orchestras in Australia in June 2009. They are guest soloists of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Queensland Symphony and the Tasmanian Symphony in Australia, among others with Maestro Eivind Aadland and Maestro Yan Pascal Totelier.
Tour in China
The duo tours China during March 2009. Concerts take place at Beijing Poly Theatre, Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre, Wuhan Qintai Grand Theatre, Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Dongguan Yulan Grand Theatre, Nanjing Concert Hall and Hangzhou Grand Theatre.
Mendelssohn and Veress with the Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo performs the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E major by Mendelssohn and the “Hommage á Paul Klee” by Veress, together with the Bavarian Chamber Philharmonic, in January 2009.
Berlin Symphony Orchestra at Berlin Philharmonie hall
Sivan and Gil are invited to play for the second time with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. They will perform the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in A flat major by Mendelssohn. The concerts take place at the big hall of the Berlin Philharmonie.
Israel Symphony Orchestra
To begin the Mendelssohn Anniversary Year 2009, the duo performs the concerto for two pianos and orchestra in E Major by Mendelssohn together with the Israel Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Dan Ettinger. In addition to four concerts, Sivan and Gil perform a chamber music program with members of the orchestra, and play Saint Säens’ Carnival of the Animals at the orchestra’s family concert.
Prague and Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestras
The duo is invited to play with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra as well as with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, both in 2009.
Recital at the Konzerthaus in Berlin
In November 2008, The Silver Garburg Piano Duo presents a recital at the big hall of the “Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt” in Berlin.
A special musical event at the Mendelssohn Festival in Koblenz
In September 2008, the Silver Garburg Piano Duo is centred in a three part concert at the Mendelssohn Festival in Koblenz. The concert, titled “Duo Plus”, features many works for piano duo as well as chamber works for piano duo with other instruments: Bartók Sonata with percussion, Bach Concerto BWV 1061 with a string quartet, Schumann Quintet with two celli and horn, Mendessohn Italian Symphony with Violin and Viola and Schoenberg Intermezzi from “Gurre-Lieder” in Webern’s transcription for two pianos, eight hands.
A shared program with Kuss Quartet
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo joins the Kuss Quartet for concerts at the “Niedersächsische Musiktage” festival in September 2008. Both piano duo and string quartet play Beethoven “Grosse Fuge” op. 134 in the composer’s perspective versions for their ensembles.
Tel-Hai International Piano Masterclass
Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg are invited to join the faculty of the international master- classes for the third time. They present the piano-duo course together with pianist Nicolai Petrov.
“The Little Mermaid” with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Silver Garburg Piano Duo performs eight concerts with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane. This is the Australian premiere of “The Little Mermaid” by composer Lior Navok. The composition is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s masterpiece.
Third Braunlager Maikonzerte
Following the successful second Braunlager Maikonzerte, the third edition of the festival, under the artistic directorship of Gil Garburg, takes place on the 23rd to 25th May 2008. This year the festival is proud to present the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Soloists, clarinettist Sharon Kam with Johannes Peitz and Marcus Becker, pianist Sa Chen and The Silver Garburg Piano Duo.
Bach and Weidberg premiere with Israel Sinfonietta
Ron Weidberg’s “Concerto after drafts by Prokoffiev” is premiered by Sivan and Gil, together with the Israel Sinfonietta and Maestro Doron Salomon, in March 2008. The program includes also the concerto for two pianos in C Major, BWV1061, by J. S. Bach.
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
In January 2008, the duo performs together with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and Maestro Andrew Massey. This is the Hong Kong premiere of “The Little Mermaid” for two pianos and orchestra by Israeli composer Lior Navok.
A new concert series of the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo
The Israeli Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv presents a new concert series of the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo, during the concert seasons 2007-8 and 2008-9. Each recital displays works for two pianists by Schubert, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky.
Bruch concerto with Bucharest Philharmonic
Silver and Garburg perform the two pianos concerto by Bruch with the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra “George Enescu”, under the baton of Maestro Horia Andreescu. The concerts take place at the Romanian Atheneum in October 2007.
Dresden Contemporary Music Festival and Berlin Konzerthaus
Two “Quintets for six players”, for piano, four hands and string quartet, written by composers Gerhard Stäbler and Yinam Leef, are premiered in October 2007 by the duo and the Vogler Quartet at the Dresden Festival. The following week, Sivan and Gil are guests of the Vogler String Quartet at their concert series at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, performing works for two, four and six players.
“Rite of Spring” at Hitzacker Festival
The duo performs Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” in the composer’s original version for piano, four hands. The concert takes place at the “62nd Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker” and is broadcast by NDR (North German Radio).
“Sommerkonzerte” festival with members of Bamberg Symphony
A premiere of “The Little Mermaid” by Lior Navok as well as Saint Säens Carnaval of the Animals takes place at the “Sommerkonzerte” festival in Ingolstadt in July 2007. Sivan and Gil perform together with actor Hans Jürgen Schatz and members of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.
Concerti by Mozart and a Shohat premiere with Israel Chamber Orchestra
The duo joins the Israel Chamber Orchestra in the season’s concluding four concerts in July 2007. The programs include both concerti by Mozart K. 242 and K. 365 and the premiere of the newly commissioned concerto for piano, four hands by Gil Shohat.
Bruch Concerto with Berlin Symphony at Berlin Philharmonie and Konzerthaus
Two performances are held at the Berlin Philharmonie and the Berlin Konzerthaus in May 2007. The duo performs the rarely played concerto for two pianos and orchestra by Bruch, together with Maestro Lior Shambadal and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.
Mozart concerto with Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie
Sivan and Gil collaborate with Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie (German Chamber Philharmonic), interpreting the Mozart concerto in E flat major, K. 365. The concert takes place without a conductor, thus emphasizing Mozart chamber character of the work.
Braunlager Maikonzerte
The second Braunlager Maikonzerte, in which Gil serves as the artistic director, is held in May 2007 between the 18th and the 20th. The festival’s four concerts feature the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, the Silver - Garburg Piano Duo, pianist Martin Helmchen and the Vogler String Quartet. The festival is recorded and broadcast by NDR.
Artists in residence at the Canberra Chamber Music Festival
In April 2007, Sivan and Gil return in the 5th time to meet their friends and fans in Canberra, Australia. Their performances include, among others, an Australian Premiere of “The King’s Stamp” by Benjamin Britten as well as Bartok’s Sonata for two pianos and percussion. They also conduct master classes at the Australian National University and record to ABC.
USA tour: “Tour de force of fine piano playing”
US tour in Feb. 2007 included performances of the Concerti for two pianos by Mozart and Poulenc as well as recitals for two pianos and piano, four hands. The duo gained raving ovations both from the public and the press, which equalled their playing to that of Edwin Fischer or Clara Haskil.
Japan Tour in Jan. 2007
Following recordings for Hong Kong Radio, Sivan and Gil headed for their third visit to Japan, where they performed three recitals in Tokyo and Osaka to enthusiastic audiences. In addition to repertoire for two pianos, they performed a new piano, four hands program including Schubert Grand Duo and Stravinsky Rite of Spring.
New Commission: Concerto for piano, four hands by Gil Shohat
Israeli composer Gil Shohat has completed the score of a concerto for one piano, four hands and chamber orchestra, written for the Silver-Garburg Piano Duo. The Premiere will take place with the Israel Chamber Orchestra.
New Review: Mozart Concerto with Maestro Eiji Oue
“An even more profound impression was made by the fully mature piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg in Mozart E flat major concerto. They offered a Mozart-playing which was close to perfection: beautifully toned, expressive and transparent, with the utmost care for details and yet with structure and great momentum. Not less exciting was the encore – which yet again demonstrated their world class.”
Reviewed by Daniel Behrendt, Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, 25.11.2006.
Concerti by Poulenc and Scholz with Taipei Philharmonic
The Duo collaborated with the Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra and their musical director, Maestro Tien-Chi Lin, performing the concerti for two pianos by Francis Poulenc, as well the large scale concerto by Austrian composer Robert Scholz. The concert took place in Sep. 2006 at the Taiwan National Concert Hall.
Concerti by Bruch, Saint-Säens and Ravel with Maestro Enrique Batiz
In a Mexican tour in summer 2006 Sivan and Gil performed the concerto for two pianos by Bruch and “Carnaval des Animeaux” by Saint- Säens with the Mexico State Symphony and Maestro Enrique Batiz. Gil also performed with the Maestro the concerto for the left hand by Ravel, while Sivan played two solo recitals at “Blanco e Negro” piano festival.
Suchmaschinenoptimierung Aleksej Nazarenko im Auftrag von united units berlin.