February’s busy month of music continues at 8 p.m. on February 27 in Francis Auditorium, as the award-winning cellist Amit Peled takes the stage with pianist Alon Goldstein for the Carl Broman Concert Series at Mary Baldwin University. Peled is considered one of the most exciting instrumentalists on the concert stage today, universally praised not only for his profound artistry, but also his charismatic stage presence and engaging manner with audiences. Goldstein is similarly admired for his energetic, yet sensitive performances, as well as his dynamic personality.
Many area concert-goers are already familiar with Peled’s compelling performances, since he is a faculty member of the Heifetz International Music Institute who performs frequently for the Celebrity Series during the summer.
“We are thrilled to be presenting Amit Peled on the Broman Concert Series,” says Lise Keiter, professor of music at Mary Baldwin. “Not only is he a fantastic cellist, but his visit also represents a nice way to highlight the important relationship between the Mary Baldwin music department and the Heifetz Institute.”
Cellist Dmitry Volkov, Mary Baldwin’s first Heifetz artist-in-residence, agrees, adding that it is great to show the connection “not only during the summer, but also during the academic year.” Volkov raves about Peled’s artistry and urges people to attend the performance, saying “I’m 100% sure it will be an amazing concert.” He also points out that audiences will enjoy the diverse program, which includes not only well-known favorites but some lesser-known pieces about which Peled will undoubtedly talk to the audience during the concert.
One such work is Kaddish, by the successful Israeli composer Mark Kopytman, whose unique style is inspired by Jewish folklore. One reviewer called Peled’s recent performance of this piece “absolutely riveting.” Peled and Goldstein will also perform the beautiful and dramatic Second Sonata in F Major of Brahms, as well as David Popper’s crowd-pleasing Tarantella and Tsintsadze’s Five Pieces on Folk Themes for Cello and Piano. Goldstein, a noted Beethoven interpreter, will also treat the audience to a performance of Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata for solo piano.
Peled has performed as a soloist with many orchestras and in the world’s major concert halls, such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Salle Gaveau in Paris, London’s Wigmore Hall, and Tel Aviv’s Mann Auditorium. A busy recording artist, he recently released his third CD, Reflections, and he enjoys critical acclaim for his previous two CDs, The Jewish Soul and Cellobration.
Pianist Alon Goldstein maintains a similarly active performance schedule and has played with the Israel, London, Radio France, and Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestras as well as the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Baltimore symphonies. He also performs frequently in solo recital and in chamber music settings, and his recordings include a recent release of Mendelssohn Piano Concertos with the Israel Chamber Orchestra.
Tickets for Amit Peled and Alon Goldstein may be purchased at the door and are $25 for the general public, $20 for seniors, and $5 for students. Mary Baldwin faculty, staff, and students are free. For more information call 540-887-7294 or visit Music at Mary Baldwin.