Celebrated pianist Zoltan Fejervari appeared in recital at the American Philosophical Society on March 25, 2025. The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society (PCMS) hosted his return. He first appeared here in 2015. We caught up with the esteemed Hungarian pianist via YouTube livestream, several days after the concert. 

The American Philosophical Society is an intimate venue with lively acoustics. The media presentation was first-rate.  Multiple cameras were used, sound quality was excellent, with an introduction before the concert, and during intermission, a lovely interview where the artist spoke as if on a Zoom call recorded previously at his home in Hungary. This was a welcome and well-conceived presentation that shone on all counts. The overhead camera showing the artist playing at the keyboard was considerably thrilling. 

Compared to other livestreamed presentations, this was by all means exceptional. Other livestreamed recitals often had one establishing camera placed at the back of the house, and silently broadcasting until the artists spoke with a microphone before playing. Likewise,  during intermission,  others merely had dead airtime rather than a feature. Bravo, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society for surpassing all expectations on all of these scores. 

Mr. Fevervari surprised many upon his entrance. His physical presence was imposing. A tall, thin man, he resembled a Giacometti sculpture. His unusually long and graceful hands hypnotically swept along the keyboard with an elegance and grace rarely seen. So many pianists appear to grimace, move about, and struggle at the keyboard. Not him. He elegantly and determinedly played each piece seamlessly, some in a most dreamlike fashion, while the Schumann and Brahms displayed kaleidoscopic technique and dynamic playing. 

Ivan Moravec, a pianist not seen in decades, came to mind. 

The livestream was seen several days after the live recital on the 25th. It was a wonderful thing to have it available on YouTube.  Many PCMS  concerts during the season are shown in the same manner from the American Philosophical Society. Many thanks to those who obviously support these virtual concerts financially. Descriptions on how viewers could donate to support the programs are clearly laid out.

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Mr. Fejervari played the program without sheet music, from memory, clearly knowing each piece by heart. He totally engaged the rapt audience, who awarded him warm applause.  So much so that he rewarded his audience with an encore.

The PCMS continues its season at the American Philosophical Society, and livestreams, as well as programs at the Perelman Theater. For more information about future concerts, visit www.pcmsconcerts.org .

Mr. Fejervari has a website, www.zoltanfejervari.com  .