Concert Series presents:
Pianist Joel Wizansky
Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.
$15
 

Joel Wizansky The Gualala Arts Concert Series is pleased to present a return engagement of the highly-acclaimed New York pianist Joel Wizansky in a program of music by Mozart, Schubert, Ligeti, and Ravel. The concert will be on Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m., at the Arts Center.

Joel Wizansky has been acclaimed by audiences and musicians alike for his combination of fiery intensity and probing musicianship. The Washington Post wrote of his "emotional and rich performance, sparkling runs, beautiful phrasing, and dramatic interpretation." In a review of his previous performance in Gualala in February 2002, the Independent Coast Observer characterized his playing as "magnificently memorable, spectacular, and intellectually stimulating ... a remarkable display of musicianship and outstanding keyboard skills, showing deep understanding, and mature confidence in his interpretation of formidable works."

Mr. Wizansky made his debut with the San Francisco Symphony at the age of 17. He went on to win numerous awards, including first prize in the Helen Hart International Piano Competition, first prize in the Yale Gordon Competition, and fifth prize in the prestigious Margurite Long International Competition. He has performed frequently in recital and with orchestras in the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and Korea. Recent appearances have included solo recitals at Rockefeller University in New York City and at the Music at Gretna summer music festival, and numerous recitals in the Baltimore area. He has been heard in broadcast performances in New York, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago. His first solo compact disc, "A Brahms Recital," was released in 2001 on the MRC label. He is also a noted chamber musician and collaborator, and has performed in duo recitals at Carnegie Hall in New York, the National Concert Hall in Taipei, and many other venues.

Mr. Wizansky is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, where he studied with Leonard Shure. He completed his studies with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Conservatory, where he received the Artist Diploma and was awarded the France Graage Scholarship, the school's highest honor in performance. He has served as Adjunct Piano Faculty at the Peabody Conservatory, and is currently on staff at the Yale School of Music.


Tickets for the concert are $15 each. Children ages seven through 17 are admitted free. Advance tickets are available at the Gualala Art Center or at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala. Tickets may also be purchased at the door prior to the performance. For further information, call the Gualala Arts Center at 707-884-1138, or visit the website gualalaarts.org.

More great concerts coming to Gualala Arts Center in 2005. Mark your calendars! Sunday, May 29, 4 p.m.: The Cypress Quartet. Virtuoso performances of classical and contemporary music. "Pure poetry from beginning to end." Saturday, July 9, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 10, 4 p.m. Summer Chamber Music Weekend. Be sure to hear this extraordinary ensemble with Roy Bogas (piano) and Friends (all principals of the San Francisco Symphony).