Symphony San Jose Presents Jon Nakamatsu in Their Brilliant Interpretation of Grieg’s Piano Concerto
March 18 at 8.00 p.m. & March 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Music aficionados rejoice as Symphony San Jose welcomes back virtuoso pianist Jon Nakamatsu in their fabulous performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto under the masterful baton of Maestro Aram Demirjian. Jon Nakamatsu: A native of California, claimed a distinguished place on the international musical scene in June of 1997 when he was named the Gold Medal Winner of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the only American to have achieved this distinction since 1981.
A former high school German teacher, he became a popular hero overnight in the highly traditional medium of classical music. Performing in important venues in Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean as soloist and composer, Nakamatsu’s phenomenal virtuosity and breathtaking technique with deep understanding of beautifully conveying the composer’s compositions by adding his own spectacular presentation. Cancel all your additional plans and dedicate this weekend to listening to the best performed music by the very best outstanding performers.
Introduce your youngsters to the music the way it should be played by listening to Jon Nakamatsu and the talented musicians of Symphony San Jose under the excellent baton of conductor Aram Demirjian. Recipient of The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award from The Solti Foundation U.S., conductor Aram Demirjian has built a reputation as an insightful interpreter of the symphonic repertoire and an engaging, dynamic presence on the podium.
Widely acclaimed for his transformative work as Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO), he is sought after for his “graceful, energetic direction” (Sarasota Herald Tribune), bold programming, and distinctive communication skills with audience members and musicians alike.
The proud child of an immigrant family, Aram is American-born and of Armenian descent. He holds a joint Bachelor of Arts in Music and Government from Harvard University, and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory.
The program ends with Florence Price’s pioneering Symphony No. 1, skillfully incorporating spirituals, folk songs and syncopated African American dance rhythms into a classical structure.
Information
408-286-2600
Symphonysanjose.org. The California Theater, 345 South First Street in San Jose.
Photos courtesy of San Jose Symphony
Stanford Live Welcomes Israeli Chamber Project and Tenor Karim Sulayman
March 11, 2023
The Israeli Chamber Project ensemble joins Lebanese-American tenor and recent Grammy Award–winner Karim Sulayman in a wide-ranging program that draws on texts of love, peace, and the shared strength in community.
The Israeli Chamber Project has emerged as one of the most electrifying ensembles to appear in the past decade, winning worldwide acclaim for its depth and virtuosity.
For their performance at the Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University, the group joins Lebanese-American tenor and recent Grammy Award–winner Karim Sulayman in a wide-ranging program that draws on texts of love, peace, and the shared strength in community, including Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Harrison Birtwistle’s Bogenstrich, Naji Hakim’s The Dove (Biblical) and Maronite Carols, Copland’s Sextet, and more.
Information
Tickets start at $32
650-724-2464
Bing Concert Hall; 327 Lausen Street at Stanford University, Stanford
Photo courtesy of Stanford Live
Jack London State Historic Park Presents Springtime Piano Concert Featuring the Popular Jack London Piano Club
March 19, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Enjoy listening to a variety of uplifting musical selections to be presented by the Jack London Piano Club, a talented group of volunteers at Jack London State Historic Park.
The piano concert will take place on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway baby grand piano on the second floor of the House of Happy Walls museum.
Even before she met Jack London, Charmian was an accomplished pianist. She initially purchased the 1901 Steinway on an installment plan.
After receiving a hefty sum from his publisher, Jack gave Charmian $500 to finish payment and bring the piano to the ranch, where it became the center of entertainment for London’s many guests.
Refreshments will be served outdoors under the portico at intermission. Since 2011 the Piano Club has presented quarterly concerts, raising over $20,000 to benefit operations at the Park.
Make it a weekend getaway by booking a lovely B&B and after the concert, visit the nearby downtown Glen Ellen and the Sonoma Valley who offer many options for fabulous dinners.
Information
Admission of $20 includes the $10 parking fee
707-938-5216; jacklondonpark.com
House of Happy Walls Museum located at 2400 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen
Photo courtesy of the Jack London Piano Club
“Fast Forward” – An Evening of New Contemporary Ballet by Six Choreographers
March 18, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose
Fast Forward provides the opportunity for emerging choreographers, both local and from around the country, to experiment and showcase their creativity and beautiful dancing.
The program offers the New Ballet Company Dancers the opportunity to perform work that has been created specifically for them, and to grow as artists and be part of the creative process. In addition, the choreographers provide the audience with a behind-the-scenes understanding of the new works by discussing the choreographic process and providing context and insight into their inspiration. Well, well, well – and you thought San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley, is only about chips and technology! Surprise!
This one-night performance of new contemporary ballet features world premieres by six extremely talented choreographers:headed by the visionary and enthusiastic founder of Dalia Rawson: Director of New Ballet, resident choreographer for New Ballet, New York City Choreographic Institute Fellow – an Affiliate of New York City Ballet; Jing Zhang: Former Soloist of Ballet San Jose; Peter Merz: International choreographer and former director of Ballet West Academy; Mariana Sobral: Director of eMotion Arts Dance Co., former professional dancer and ABT Certified Teacher; Mesa Burdick: Former New Ballet Company Dancer and current Sacramento Ballet Dancer; Le Mai Linh: Director of New Ballet School, Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Choreographer 2021.
Director, Founder and Primary Choreographer, Dalia Rawson founded New Ballet in 2016 and created Fast Forward in 2017. According to Rawson, “With Fast Forward, I wanted to provide a platform for innovation in ballet-based choreography where dancers and choreographers could collaborate and create new work together.”
Information: General admission tickets are $10-$35; VIP tickets are $250 and include access to the VIP Lounge to post-performance Cast Party with the dancers, featuring sweet and savory bites and elegant wines.
408-924-8501; newballet.com; Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Photo courtesy of New Ballet
