Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has long been recognized not only as one of today's great soloists but as a first-choice partner for the finest vocalists. Acknowledging his catalytic role in a recent song recital, the New York Times observed that the pianist"provided the...intense atmosphere in which the vocal line thrives, and from which it draws much of its power." Now, hot off a nationwide solo recital tour and high-profile concerto appearances for his multi-season "Beethoven: A Journey" project, Andsnes embarks on a U.S. recital tour with German baritone Matthias Goerne,"the most intellectually and vocally gifted male art-song interpreter of his generation" (Philadelphia Inquirer). With a striking program of songs about love and death by Shostakovich and Mahler, their five-city tour launches at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre (April 23) and concludes at New York's Carnegie Hall (May 1). Later in May, Andsnes reprises "Beethoven: A Journey," performing the composer's First and Third Piano Concertos in Norway and then on a European tour with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, before returning to the U.S. in June to make his debut as Music Director ofCalifornia's Ojai Music Festival.