András Schiff at Carnegie Hall

When asked to be a 2011--2012 Perspectives artist, pianist András Schiff was adamant about one thing: He wanted to focus on Béla Bartók and the vibrant legacy the composer left on their native Hungary. And, as Schiff was quick to point out, Bartok was also a New Yorker, moving here in the midst of World War II and living for a time on 57th Street—only a few blocks away from Carnegie Hall.

Among the many highlights of Schiff's series are performances of Bartók's three piano concertos, a celebration of his musical heritage with Hungarian group Muzsikás, the premiere of a Carnegie Hall commission by Jörg Widmann, and performances with the Salzburg Marionette Theater. He also leads a Professional Training Workshop, focusing on the music of both Bartók and Bach.