“Mozart & Contemporaries”: Pianist Vikingur Ólafsson makes his Princeton University Concerts debut on November 20 at Richardson Auditorium. (Photo by Ari Magg)

Pianist Vikingur Ólafsson brings his trademark ability to breathe new life into classical convention to Richardson Auditorium on Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m. His program, “Mozart & Contemporaries,” presented by Princeton University Concerts (PUC), invites audiences to rediscover Mozart by setting his work within the framework of his contemporaries.

The recent Deutsche Grammophon recording of this program has topped international charts, been streamed over two hundred million times, and won several awards.

“This is an artist that I have been very eager to bring to Princeton for a while,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “I had the opportunity to hear this very same program live at Carnegie Hall last year and I was completely spellbound. Víkingur has such a refreshing and sincere voice; he cares deeply about his listeners and their experience of his programs, and I cannot wait for our audience to experience his magic in the first of what I hope will be several visits to Princeton.”

Ticketholders are invited to attend a free 2 p.m. pre-concert lecture by Princeton University Emeritus Professor Scott Burnham.

“The way Ólafsson contextualizes Mozart within his time is so in line with PUC’s values — with our own mission to frame live music within the context of the present day,” said Seltzer. “Ólafsson has said that he wants to allow audiences to ‘see all music as contemporary music.’ To that, we here at PUC say, ‘Yes!’ Scott Burnham will undoubtedly bring remarkable aspects of Mozart’s music and Ólasson’s unique approach to the composer to an even more brilliant light. Great minds, great musician, great music … It’s going to be a thrilling Sunday afternoon in Richardson Auditorium.”

Full-priced tickets are sold out. Turned-back and obstructed view seats may be available. Call (609) 258-2800 for more information.