Igor Levit: “Pianist and Advocate for Change”

At a time when very few artists take a clear political stand, piano legend Igor Levit speaks out on social and political issues often – on his social media channels, as a frequent guest on prominent European talk shows, playing at the national convention in Germany, performing at demonstrations on behalf of social inclusion, protesting climate change at his concerts, dedicating his albums to social causes, playing living room concerts on Twitter, and more. His commitment to using his platform and artistry for the betterment of the world has earned him the International Beethoven Prize for Human Rights, Statue B of the International Auschwitz Committee, and Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This has also come at a cost — Levit has played under police protection after receiving antisemitic death threats. This event will be a fascinating way to get to know this extraordinary artist as an individual in a conversation permeated by live performance of works by Felix Mendlessohn and Johannes Brahms, moderated by award-winning international correspondent Deborah Amos.

Co-Sponsored by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies