Johann Baptist Vaňhal was one of the leading composers of the Classical and early Romantic eras. Born in Bohemia, he played a vital role in the development of Viennese music between 1750 and 1780, composing prolifically. He wrote a hundred string quartets and seventy symphonies, which reveal both a Baroque inheritance and also an immersion in new symphonic styles. His piano music is equally voluminous and was performed by his admirers Haydn and Mozart, alongside whose own piano music Vaňhal’s piano sonatas deserve to be measured.

Keyboard performer Michael Tsalka has won numerous prizes and awards throughout his career. A versatile musician, he performs solo and chamber music repertoire from the early baroque to Contemporary on the modern piano, harpsichord, fortepiano, clavichord, square piano and chamber organ.