An exceptional concert
gift from an internationally renowned pianist
It was at the Théâtre de l'Oriental in Vevey, graciously placed at our disposal, that Shai Maestro gave an exceptional concert in favor of Coexistences. The audience was seduced by the quality of his improvisations, his delicate touch, his musicality, his supple and fluid phrasing, his creativity that was at once sensitive, powerful and internalized, and the warmth with which he addressed the audience. He received a standing ovation at the end of his hour and a half concert.
Shai Maestro (1987) is one of the most talented pianists of his generation. Since his debut with his own trio in 2011, Shai has forged a strong and unique personal identity and developed an incredible musical fluidity that has resulted in one of the most powerful and harmonious groups in jazz today.
At the age of 19, he joined Avishai Cohen's trio with drummer Mark Giuliana. He has recorded four albums with Cohen's trio: Gently Disturbed (2008), Sensitive Hours (2008), Aurora (2009) and Seven Seas (2011). Shai Maestro begins his career as a band leader in 2011 and releases four albums with his own trio: Shai Maestro Trio (2011), The Road to Ithaca (2012), Untold Stories (2015), The Stone Skipper (2016). The year 2018 marks a turning point for Shai. he signs with the famous jazz label ECM with whom he records his first album the dream thief, in which Shai appears for the first time as a solo pianist. In recent years, during international tours, the trio has performed at the biggest festivals and on the most renowned stages.
Shai Maestro, with the greatest generosity, has offered his vibrant energy and his concert to Coexistences because, born in Israel, he is sensitive to the relations between Israelis and Palestinians. This support is dedicated in particular to Breaking the Ice, a group which, every year since 2010, brings together at the end of the summer, in addition to their two facilitators, Israeli and Palestinian students from Haifa, for a demanding trek in the Swiss Alps. A wonderful opportunity to discover each other and establish a dialogue of peace. These young people are preparing this trip for months and are committed to sharing their experience with those around them after their return. It is worth remembering that the very first group reached the summit of Mont Blanc in 2010, a highly symbolic feat of trust in each other within an Israeli-Palestinian cordage. This concert could not have taken place without the contagious energy of Sophie Kaelin and the energy of the group preparing for the 10-year anniversary event of the Breaking the Ice project.
Thanks to all of you!
