With a catalogue of music spanning more than 50 years – as well as every conceivable artistic medium, including film, theatre and opera – Philip Glass far overreaches the Minimalist identifier by which he is commonly referred to. Approaching his 90th birthday in January, celebrations are commencing early in Melbourne. For the city’s Now or Never festival, Orchestra Victoria will perform Glass’s much-loved chamber work In the Upper Room alongside a recital of his Piano Etudes Nos. 1–10 by one of the composer’s most celebrated collaborators, Maki Namekawa.

Heralded as the premiere interpreter of Glass’s piano works, Namekawa was the first soloist to perform all 20 Etudes in a world premiere at the 2013 Perth International Arts Festival, with the composer himself in attendance. Her presence at Now or Never represents a genuine must-see event for Melbourne music lovers.

Maki Namekawa. Photo © Florian Voggeneder

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Maki to Melbourne for the first time,” says Now or Never Artistic Director Elise Peyronnet. “She is an extraordinary pianist. What excites me most about this performance is the opportunity to hear this music interpreted by someone who has worked so closely...