Presented by Music for Galway and Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Alan Rusbridger author
Finghin Collins piano

In middle age some men take up marathon running. Others climb the Matterhorn or buy a red sports car. Alan Rusbridger, editor-in-chief of the Guardian, decides to master Chopin's First Ballade Op 23. Rusbridger gives himself a year to learn this fiercely demanding work, later extending his self-imposed deadline when at various points Julian Assange and the families Gaddafi and Murdoch eat into his practice schedule. Rusbridger chronicles his exciting journey in the critically acclaimed book Play It Again, published by Vintage in 2014.

Just about to enter middle age, internationally renowned Irish pianist Finghin Collins is busy travelling from Wuhan, China to Santa Fe, USA performing as soloist and chamber musician in the most prestigious concert halls of the world. He decides that this is the right time for him to record a CD of his favourite Chopin music.

Follow the two as they discuss Chopin, performance, practice, media and politics and get to hear the haunting piano music of Chopin, including his fiendishly difficult Ballade No. 1, interspersed with readings and lively conversation.

This event will be moderated by Toner Quinn, editor of online magazine The Journal of Music.