PianoSummer at New Paltz Institute/Festival celebrates its 15th year: Concerts and recitals by distinguished pianists, master classes and competitions fill the program

PianoSummer at New Paltz Institute/Festival is unquestionably the highlight of the summer arts season in the Hudson Valley. Unparalleled in its quality and artistic excellence, the Institute/Festival – under the direction of internationally renowned musician Vladimir Feltsman – begins its 15th season on July 10 with concerts, recitals, master classes and a piano competition.

Festival highlights include the Faculty Gala, recitals by Nikolai Demidenko, Haesun Paik and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Gala conducted by Vladimir Feltsman.

Concerts and events take place on the campus of the State University of New York at New Paltz. For information about Festival and Institute events and tickets call (845) 257-3880 or visit www.newpaltz.edu/piano.

PianoSummer Festival
The PianoSummer Festival presents four concerts that expose audiences to the thrilling and masterful talents of renowned pianists. To honor their bicentennial birth date, the works of Robert Schumann and Frederic Chopin (b. 1810) will be performed during selected concerts.

Artists with both established and escalating careers make a special effort to perform at PianoSummer because the combination of an enthusiastic public, distinguished students and faculty, and the scenic Hudson Valley provide all of the ingredients of an exceptional experience for audience and performer alike.

On Saturday, July 10 the season opens with the exciting Faculty Gala where the admired and illustrious offerings of the PianoSummer faculty, including artistic director Vladimir Feltsman, will be featured. Electrifying talent and distinct musical personalities make this a night to remember! Performing will be Vladimir Feltsman; Robert Hamilton; Susan Starr; Phillip Kawin; Paul Ostrovsky; and Alexander Korsantia.

Each year special recitals are set aside for guest performers. On July 17, Russian pianist Nikolai Demidenko will perform Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, Barcarolle, Op. 60, 2 Nocturne, Op. 48 and Polonaise in f sharp minor, Op. 44, as well as Schumann’s Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26 and Carnaval, Op.9. A major pianist and highly regarded recording artist, Demidenko has performed in the most prestigious concert halls worldwide.

“Nikolai Demidenko is one of the most physically powerful pianists around, and his performance illuminated the infinite possibilities contained within a single, simple tune….” The Guardian

On July 24th, the brilliance of Haesun Paik will be highlighted in a concert featuring Beethoven’s Rondo in C major, Op. 51, no. 1, Schumann’s Humoreske in B-flat major, Op. 20, Scriabin’s Sonata No. 5, Op. 53, Liszt’s Consolation No. 3 and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. Paik has received critical acclaim for her sublime musicianship and stunning virtuosity.

Following Paik’s sold-out New York recital debut, The New York Times stated: “In programming as well as performance, one could hardly have asked more from a debut recital. Paik seemed every bit the major talent her advanced billing suggested.”

Paik has performed with leading international orchestras and has appeared frequently in recitals at New York’s Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center; the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Jordan Hall, Boston; and in concert halls around the world.

The festival concludes on July 30th with the exhilarating Symphony Gala with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic conducted by Vladimir Feltsman. This special evening will feature Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 and a special concerto (TBD) performed by the 2010 Jacob Flier International Piano Competition winner.

Institute Events
The Institute’s jam-packed schedule of lectures, master classes, student recitals and a piano competition radiate a level of excitement that is palpable. Highlights of this year’s events include recitals at Mohonk Mountain House and Steinway Hall in NYC; recitals by the 2009 Jacob Flier International Piano Competition winners – Joey Chang and Yinfei Wang; master classes conducted by Eduard Zilberkant, Nikolai Demidenko, and Phillip Kawin; the always exciting Jacob Flier competition, as well as several recitals performed by students enrolled in the Institute. All of the events are open to the public, some free of charge.

PianoSummer is sponsored by the School of Fine & Performing Arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz. For information about PianoSummer and other arts events on campus call (845) 257-3860 or visit www.newpaltz.edu/artsnews.