PIANO BATTLE Returns to Popejoy Hall

Piano Battle returns to Popejoy Hall for a dueling duet that will perform classical piano pieces. Internationally renowned pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis will compete for six rounds. The audience then decides who plays best during an interactive and unforgettable performance.

The two musicians face off on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 3 pm.Kern and Cibis go head-to-head competing for the audience's vote. As one pianist tries to outplay the other, the music intensifies in an attempt to win over the audience. Kern dresses in all white while his opponent, Cibis, wears an all black outfit. As the competition rounds proceed, they begin to perform simultaneously using different techniques that feature hilarious stunts like beatboxing, switching pianos, and playing the piano with their feet. With distinct styles, the pianists give the audience a classic performance with a competitive edge.

Originally created for Hong Kong's City Festival, Piano Battle plays contemporary interpretations by artists such as Liszt, Debussy, Schubert, Chopin, and more, shattering the barrier between classical and contemporary music audiences. The pianists awe audiences worldwide during their tours of South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the United States, South Africa, and Germany.Kern, a soloist and chamber musician, served as the artistic director of the Darling Music Experience in Darling, South Africa starting in 2009 until 2013. The celebration brings soloists and ensembles together with national and international musicians. Kern also designed the Piano City Festival, an event that features over 100 piano performances within one weekend.

Created in 2010, the festival since has expanded to Berlin, Naples, and Milan.Cibis has performed on five continents, gaining international recognition as a pianist. Cibis contributed to film projects, penning music scores for short films. He also initiated and supervised the music of an international award-winning documentary, PIANOMANIA. Cibis has released several albums including French melodies, a collaboration with a German mezzo-soprano Barbara Senator, and solo pieces by Taiwanese composer Kai-nan Huange. He teaches master classes in Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and China.

Tickets for Piano Battle are on sale for $63, $45, $35, and $25. Tickets may be purchased at the UNM Ticket Offices located at the Dreamstyle Arena (The Pit) or at the UNM Bookstore. Online purchasing is available at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets.com. To charge by phone, call (505) 925-5858 or (505) 277-0388. Group orders may be placed by calling (505) 277-1569 or emailing groups@popejoypresents.com.