Concert #1 - September 16, 2006

Vassily Primakov - Pianist

By popular request, the young Russian pianist returns to Savannah for his third appearance. His career continues to grow in the United States and throughout the world. Audiences agree with the New York critic who said, "Everyone left the hall a foot off the ground."

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Charles Wadsworth and Friends

Wadsworth has become a mainstay in Savannah's musical life. His wit, charm and artistry have made him a favorite in hundreds of venues, and his "friends" are world famous musicians. More than anyone else, Wadsworth has demonstrated that the chamber music repertory is a wealth of pleasure.

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Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Savannah Choral Society, and distinguished soloists will perform the magnificent Second Symphony of Gustave Mahler, "The Resurrection." With this masterpiece, Mahler expresses his personal faith that all mankind will rise to eternal bliss in the glory of God. Music of incomparable beauty is testament of his belief. It will be the first performance of this masterpiece in Savannah.

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Charles Wadsworth and Friends

Born in Newnan, Georgia and educated at the University of Georgia and the Juilliard School, Wadsworth prizes his Southern connections. His home town renamed its auditorium for him, and his presentation of an all-star concert at the 1996 Olympics is well remembered. His popularity at the Charleston Spoletto Festival (33 appearances in 2006) is legendary. Accompanying him are with Chee-Yun, violin, Edward Arron, cello, Christoper O'Riley, piano, performing music by Strauss, Piazolla, Debussey, and Brahms.

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Hong Xu - Pianist

Hong Xu, the 21 year old Chinese pianist, has already achieved a reputation as a virtuoso of the highest order. A finalist in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, he returned to the Island last season as an emergency replacement, performing the daunting Third Piano Concerto of Rachmaninoff to great acclaim. His future holds no bounds. Come hear this virtuoso pianist as he climbs to new musical fame.

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Charles Wadsworth and Friends
The Brentano String Quartet

Wadsworth has been honored by the French and Italian governments. New York City has bestowed him with its highest cultural award, the Handel Medallion. The recipient of the ASCAP Chamber Music Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club, he holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from the University of South Carolina. The Governor of South Carolina gave him the state's top civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto. Joining him are the Brentano String Quartet, with Mark Steinberg, violin, Serena Canin, violin, Misha Amory, viola, and Nina Maria Lee, cello. Guest artist is Todd Palmer, clarinet. Music by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Brahms. "Immortal Beloved"

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Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

Making its second appearance of the season, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will perform favorites in the classical music repertory, including Mendelssonhn's "Italian" Symphony and Bruch's "Scottish Fantasy" for solo violin and orchestra. It is worthy of note that 22 of the Hilton Head musicians, including the concertmaster, are former members of the Savannah Symphony.

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The Fischbach Quartet

The Fischbach Quartet returns, again with a guest artist, the winner of the 2007 Hilton Head Piano Competition, 21 year old Eric Zuber, who prevailed over 76 entrants from 31 nations. Garret Fischbach, first violin, is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and his brother, Glenn Fischbach, cello, plays regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Jennifer Lee, second violin (Glenn's wife) and Gretchen Frazier, viola, are well known in Savannah as teachers and performers. For this concert, Beverly Shin, violin, will take Garrett Fischbach's place as he is temporarily indisposed.

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Charles Wadsworth and Friends

Wadsworth's career began as a piano accompanist, which resulted in his associations with many top singers and instrumentalists. Besides being celebrated for establishing the Spoletto Festivals in Italy and Charleston, he is perhaps best known as the founder of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, which he ran from 1969 to 1989. The friends accompanying him for this concert are Paula Robison, flute, Romero Lubambo, guitar, Cyro Baptista, percussion. Music will include Sonata by Poulenc plus Brazilian folk and popular music.

This concert will be in Trustees Theater!

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