Steinway Series: Haydn. Théotime Gillot
On 24 May 2026, the Dubai Opera in partnership with the esteemed Steinway & Sons welcomes one of the most compelling pianistic voices of his generation Théotime Gillot.
Recognized by the French magazine Pianist as one of today’s most promising pianists, Gillot captivates audiences with his “visionary playing” (Helsingin Sanomat) and the “great sensitivity” of his interpretations (Crescendo Magazine). His performances combine intellectual depth with poetic freedom, offering listeners a deeply immersive musical experience.
For this special evening, Théotime Gillot presents an inspired programme conceived as an “Hommage à Haydn”. At its heart are some of Joseph Haydn’s finest works for solo piano, revealing the wit, elegance, and inventiveness that shaped classical music. These masterpieces are placed in dialogue with 20th-century works by composers such as Ravel, Dukas, Benjamin and Debussy, written as tributes to Haydn’s extraordinary musical legacy. By weaving past and future together, the programme illuminates Haydn’s enduring influence and places his genius in a broader artistic perspective.
Thoughtfully curated and rich in contrast, this concert promises an intimate journey through history, homage, and imagination — a rare opportunity to hear classical tradition re-examined through a modern, visionary lens.
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Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
Children aged 6 years and above require a valid ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Children under 6 years of age are not permitted inside the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Theotime Gillot studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris with Claire Désert as well as at the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki) with Tuija Hakkila. He is now pursuing his studies at the Hochschule für Musik Basel with Claudio Martinez Mehner. At the age of 21, he won 1st prize and audience prize at the prestigious European Piano Competition in Bremen. He is also a prizewinner of numerous international competitions such as the Maj Lind International Competition (Finland), the Tallinn International Piano Competition (Estonia) or the Chopin Competition for Young Pianists (Switzerland) where he also received the special prize of the Chopin Institute which invited him to Poland for a tour in 2021. On this occasion, he received advice from Martha Argerich, who encouraged him and recognized him as “a very special talent”.
His career has taken him to Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Finland and Estonia and he has performed as a soloist with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Bremer Philarmoniker and the Estonian National Orchestra. He is regularly invited in many venues in Europe and beyond, such as the Festival de la Roque d’Anthéron, Musikdorf Ernen, Les Pianissimes, Piano à Riom, les Musicales du Golfe, les Journées Ravel, Les Musicales de Gadagnes, Festival Jeune Chopin in Cannes, Les Pianoctambules or Festival Musical Durtal… He also appeared in the live broadcast “Générations France Musique, le live” and took part in the summer tour of Gautier Capucon in 2021. As a member of the Trio Zarathoustra, he is an eager chamber music player and also shares the stage with many other musicians. He was fortunate to learn from many masters such as Anne Queffélec, Wolfram Schmitt-Leonardy, Rena Shereshevskaya, Akiko Ebi, Nikolai Demidenko, Robert Levin, Jean-Philippe Collard, Emmanuel Strosser, Alexander Lonquich or David Bismuth. He is a 2024 laureate of the Banque Populaire foundation.
Hommage à Haydn
I part:
George Benjamin
Meditation on Haydn’s name
Joseph Haydn
Thème and Variations in F Minor, Hob XVII: 6
Maurice Ravel
Menuet sur le nom d’Haydn
Joseph Haydn
Sonata in C Major, Hob XVI: 50
20-minute intermission
II part:
Paul Dukas
Prélude Élégiaque sur le nom de Haydn
Joseph Haydn
Sonata in D Major, Hob XVI: 24
Claude Debussy
Hommage à Haydn
Joseph Haydn
Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob XVI: 52
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including an intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
