Thrill to exciting performances by these dynamic artists destined for international stardom. Come early for preconcert talks at 1:30 p.m. and enjoy meeting the artists at receptions following each concert.
All performances 2:30 p.m. Preconcert talks 1:30 p.m. Museum of Art Auditorium, Admission Free for MWPAI Members
Described as possessing “the simple, poised, confident stage presence of a seasoned performer,” violinist Sarah E. Geller has performed to critical acclaim in many prestigious venues. As winner of the Artists’ International Special Presentation Award, Geller made her Carnegie Hall solo recital debut in June 2002. Upon invitation from their Alumni Series, she also presented a solo recital in New York’s Merkin Concert Hall in May 2004. Geller has gone on to captivate audiences in her hometown of New York City and beyond. This past season Geller was invited to perform a series of concerts in Baltimore. Frequently returning to her native Maine, Geller is presented regularly on the Arts Institute of Western Maine series at the University of Maine at Farmington. In addition to her extensive performing schedule, Geller enjoys educating the next generation of string players. She is currently on the faculty at School for Strings and for the past six years was the director and head violin teacher of the outreach string program, School for Strings at PS116. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Geller has been honored with their Helen Airoff Dowling Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Violinist.
Jose Franch-Ballester, Clarinet
(Preconcert talk at 1:30 pm)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2:30 pmin the Museum of Art Auditorium
(Residency April 29-May 2)
Born in Moncofa, Spain into a family of clarinetists and Zarzuela singers, Jose Franch-Ballester began clarinet lessons at age nine and gave his first recital in Valencia at 16. He came to the U.S. to study clarinet at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, graduating in 2005. Called “that rare find, an artist whose brilliant mastery of his instrument is matched by sound and secure gifts as a musician,” he was recently selected for Carnegie Hall’s Professional Training Workshop with Emanuel Ax and Richard Stoltzman. Franch-Ballester won First Prize in the 2004 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. He was also awarded the Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize, which sponsored his Washington, DC debut at the Kennedy Center, and the Claire Tow Prize, which sponsored his New York debut at the 92nd Street Y. He has recently completed a tour as guest artist with the Jupiter String Quartet.
