Ashkenazy in Concert

It is a miracle of formal thinking, even though it is outwardly rhapsodic. The piano part is more difficult than it seems, since the piece is in the tricky key of F sharp.

– Writer Phillip Scott on César Franck’s Symphonic Variations, Limelight magazine, 13 April 2015

It's very hard to rehearse this piece because so much physical energy is involved and if you play it twice you really fall flat, dead. It's really tiring.

– Vladimir Ashkenazy on the difficulties of playing Bartók's Second Concerto

I must say these people play it so well. It's on the level with any orchestra in the world, which is a lot to say. And I'm not giving you a compliment, it's really true. I was very impressed. It puts a great responsibility on me.

– Vladimir Ashkenazy on the calibre of the NZ Symphony Orchestra