Vladimir Feltsman to perform benefit concert during the Inaugural celebration for SUNY New Paltz’ new president

NEW PALTZ – Vladimir Feltsman, founder and artistic director of the Piano Summer Institute and Festival at SUNY New Paltz, will perform a benefit concert in honor of the inauguration of New Paltz’ eighth president, Dr. Donald P. Christian. The concert, to be held on Saturday, April 14 at 4 p.m. in the Studley Theatre, is part of a week of inaugural festivities at the College. A reception for patrons will follow at 6 p.m.

Feltsman is regarded as one of the most versatile and constantly interesting musicians of our time. His repertoire encompasses music from the Baroque to 20th-century composers. A regular guest soloist with leading symphony orchestras in the United States and abroad, he appears in the most prestigious concert series and music festivals all over the world.

The program for the benefit will include Schubert’s “Impromptus in A flat major Op. 90” and Liszt’s “Harmonies du Soir.” It will also include Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at the Exhibition,” inspired by the works of artist Victor Hartmann. Mussorgsky and Hartmann were friends and shared an interest in Russian history, folklore and the arts. Mussorgsky tied the works of one of Hartmann’s exhibits with the music of this culture in “Pictures.” Through the various movements of the composition, the composer takes the listener from picture to picture, as though she or he was walking through the exhibit.

Commenting on his selections, Feltsman stated that several of his close friends requested that he perform “Pictures.” “As it is one of the highest points in piano literature of the second half of XIX century, it seems to be an excellent choice for this wonderful occasion,” said Feltsman.

This year also marks Feltsman’s 25th year of teaching at SUNY New Paltz, and his 60th birthday. “I joined the faculty without knowing much about New Paltz. I did not know at that time how fortunate I was to be a part of this amazing school and did not know that New Paltz would become the home for me – luckily, it did. … I think of many good things that happened here and am feeling very grateful for the opportunity of being a part of our College’s family and community. To honor these double anniversaries, I wanted to say ‘Thank you.’ ”

Proceeds from the concert and reception will support music, theatre, artistic, and other cultural events and activities that enrich the experience of New Paltz students.

Tickets for the concert are $40. Patron tickets plus reception are $80. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.newpaltz.edu/inauguration/feltsman.html or at the Parker Theatre Box Office, open March 26 – April 13, from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Will Call window in Studley Theatre is open one hour prior to the concert. For additional information, call 845-257-3880.

For further information on the Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.newpaltz.edu/inauguration.