Eight-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax, recently named Music America’s 2026 Artist of the Year, is renowned for his poetic temperament, deeply felt interpretations, and unparalleled virtuosity. The New York Times declared that Ax’s performances are “never less than spellbinding.”
A favorite of Princeton audiences, he will be at the McCarter Theatre on Friday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. Ax first performed at McCarter in 1981 and continues to captivate Princeton audiences with his masterful musicianship.
Audiences can learn more about the performance from experts. Curated in partnership with The Department of Music at Princeton University, “Scholar’s Insights,” a music and refreshment event, begins one hour before dance and classical events.
Those attending the Ax concert can hear a pre-show talk with experts in the lobby. Arriving early for the “Scholar’s Insights” event also means $1 off cocktails and mocktails from 6:30-6:45 p.m. before the programming. This event is included in the price of a ticket.
The speakers will be Dasha Koltunyuk of Princeton University Concerts, and Margaret Kampmeier of the Princeton University Music Department, piano faculty.
The program (subject to change) includes Beethoven: Sonata Op. 27 No. 1; Corigliano: Fantasia on an Ostinato; Beethoven: Sonata Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”; Schumann: Arabesque Op. 18; and Schumann: Fantasy Op. 17.
