Fire, Fantasy, & Dance

Witness two grand pianos, eight hands and breathtaking musical virtuosity together

An electrifying evening of multi-keyboard virtuosity as two grand pianos and eight hands showcase the boundless sonic scale and dramatic intensity of the pianists.

Elizabeth Han, Yizhuo Meng, Stanford Yu, and Ioannis Potamousis perform as a single, unified symphonic force. From the haunting, luminous lyricism of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise to the explosive, incendiary colors of Igor Stravinsky’s iconic The Firebird, this program explores the full emotional spectrum of movement, myth, and passion transformed through the expressive power of eight hands.

The journey continues with a celebration of rhythmic brilliance and dramatic flair, featuring the operatic passion of Bizet’s Carmen Fantasy alongside dynamic, dance-infused masterworks. The ensemble brings infectious energy to Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Mambo from West Side Story, paired with Christos Papageorgiou’s vibrant, syncopated composition Mambo.

Together, these works create a dialogue between classical symphonic narrative and modern dance rhythms, offering an unforgettable performance of orchestral depth and virtuosic showmanship.

Program

Charles Gounod (1818–1893) Waltz from Faust Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Renaud de Vilbac Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Heinrich Keller Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921) Danse Macabre, Op. 40 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Ernest Guiraud Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Siciliano from Flute Sonata in E-flat major, BWV 1031 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Mack Wilberg Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) Infernal Dance, Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Joo-Hye Lee, UAE Premier Christos Papageorgiou (b. 1967) Money Mambo Composed / Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Christos Papageorgiou, UAE Premier Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) Mambo from West Side Story Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Laurent Beeckmans Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Jirapat Leetrakulnumchai Georges Bizet (1838–1875) Carmen Fantasy Arranged for 2 Pianos, 8 Hands by Mack Wilberg

Artist

Ioannis Potamousis Ioannis Potamousis, described by the Pasatiempo as “New Colossus of the Keys”, is internationally acclaimed as a charismatic and passionate performer, known for his captivating artistry and introspective, poetic expression. “…Ioannis Potamousis impressed the audience with his powerful and charming performance as well as his ability to create a dialogue with the orchestra,” wrote the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger of his performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto. “Great brilliance…unique atmosphere,” said the Cincinnati Post. The Gulf News wrote: “…It was worth it just to listen to Potamousis play Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody. As we watched the pianist lose himself, we too became mesmerized by the music which took our breath away….”, “…anyone should watch Potamousis in action- he is thunderous one moment, comedic the next, then delicate as air. Potamousis’ performances have taken him to important international venues in Europe and the Middle East as well as across North America. He has played at the Athens Concert Hall, the international summer festival, and, on his Middle Eastern tour, at most major concert halls in Palestine. Ioannis has performed in all major venues in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai Opera, The National Theatre, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi,, and American University in Sharjah, among others. The Dubai appearance included collaboration with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi with the NSO Orchestra. In New York, he has played in the Trinity Church Concert Series, the Mannes festival, and at Steinway Hall, the Harvard Club, and the Metropolitan Club. He has performed concertos with New York’s New Amsterdam Symphony, the Collegium Musicum of Cologne, the Summit (New Jersey) Symphony, the Athens State Orches

Event Policies, Terms, and Conditions

• The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons. • Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center. • Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety. • As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is no longer needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi. • The wearing of face masks is no longer required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings. • For access and wheelchair bookings, please email: nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu

How to get there

By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10, Al Mina, and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12 to Laffan St. Exit at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/E12. Continue on Laffan Street to your destination. GPS navigation is advised. By taxi: You can easily reach your destination by taking a taxi or a ride-hailing app. By public transportation: You can take bus 170 (Al Saadiyat New York< University Via Abu Dhabi) to the Saadiyat New York University 3 bus stop and take a short walk from there. By taxi: You can easily reach your destination via taxi or by using a ride-hailing app. Please note the new campus entry requirements: you must present both your event ticket and the campus access QR code sent by email through NYUAD Campus Safety.