Hidden Haydn

It’s not every day you get to hear a 250-year-old work for the first time. But this Sommerfest, the Hamann Sisters—Amy and Sara—introduce Franz Joseph Haydn’s long-lost Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra to American audiences.

“It was always talked about that there was a two-piano concerto that Haydn had written when he was seventeen,” says Amy Hamann. “But it was unpublished in its original format, and for centuries was thought to be lost.”

The full manuscript was discovered in a Czech library, authenticated, and obtained by private collectors, who in 1996 gave it to a Greek conductor and pianist, George Petrou. Petrou, in turn, gave it to the Hamann sisters as a birthday present for Amy.

“It’s the only thing Haydn wrote for two pianos, and he was very young when he did it,” says Amy Hamann. “It’s almost Baroque in style, but you can hear where he’s going—there are stereotypical surprises and humor, unadorned harmonies, intricate ornaments and trills. The ensemble is quite involved.”

The Hamanns had been looking for the right opportunity to premiere the score. Then their teacher, Alexander Braginsky, mentioned the treasure to Minnesota Orchestra music director Osmo Vänskä. “It’s pretty rare you hear of a Haydn premiere, and he was intrigued,” says Amy.

The premiere also marks the duo’s Minnesota Orchestra debut. The Hamann Sisters have won many prestigious awards, including a 2005-06 McKnight Artist Fellowship, but performing as guest artists with the Minnesota Orchestra is a big step forward in their careers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to present the American premiere with our home orchestra in our hometown,” she says. “It means so much to us.” July 14. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656

Reach Lani Willis at laniwillis@aol.com.