CONCERT PIANIST BRINGS PASSION AND IMPROVISATION TO IRVINE

Don’t expect a quiet night of classical music from Grammy-nominated concert pianist Gabriela Montero at Irvine Barclay Theatre on Dec. 5. The outspoken American-Venezuelan pianist brings both muscle and emotion to a program that pays homage to prominent Russian composers who immigrated to the West to escape oppression. The New York Times has praised the “steely power,” “soulful lyricism” and “unsentimental expressivity” of her performance, while ConcertoNet called her one of the few artists whose “talent borders on genius.” Montero, who is celebrated for her ability to improvise, creating new works in real time, concludes her show with a real-time improvised score alongside a viewing of Charlie Chaplin’s film “The Immigrant.” For tickets, call 949-854-4646 or email tickets@thebarclay.org.