Labèque, Katia(b. Hendaye, March 3, 1950) and Marielle(b. Hendaye, March 6, 1952)
Labèque, Katia(b. Hendaye, March 3, 1950) and Marielle(b. Hendaye, March 6, 1952)
Labèque, Katia(b. Hendaye, March 3, 1950) and Marielle(b. Hendaye, March 6, 1952), extraordinarily gifted French sisters, duopianists. They began to study piano in early childhood with their mother, a pupil of Marguerite Long, making their formal debut in Bayonne in 1961. After completing their studies with Jean-Bernard Pommier at the Paris Cons., they were awarded first prize at their graduation in 1968. They subsequently embarked upon a remarkable career as duo-pianists, touring widely in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Far East. In addition to giving numerous recitals, they also appeared with the leading orchs. of the world. Their repertoire is catholic, ranging from the masterworks of the past tocontemporary scores by Messiaen, Boulez, Berio, and others. They play popular works as well, from Scott Joplin to Gershwin; they championed the latter’s duo-piano versions of Rhapsody in Blue, Piano Concerto in F, and An American in Paris.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire