Miriam Abramowitsch & Kumaran Arul

Miriam Abramowitsch is a frequent performer at Old First Concerts. Heuwell Tircuit of San Francisco Classical Voice praised her 2007 recital for her “courageous artistry”, and went on to say “she was superb, and, indeed, maturity has enriched her timbre into velvet warmth and broadened her concept of fine phrasing.” She is celebrated for her imaginative programs of wide-ranging repertoire from the 19th and 20th centuries. Kumaran Arul has been described as a “formidable”, “superbly intelligent and sensitive musician” with a “gripping” presence (SF Classical Voice, Classical Sonoma). He has received praise for performances that include original arrangements and improvisation. For this program they present a compelling selection of vocal and solo piano works exploring expressions of transcendence and retreat from worldly love, the program will incorporate related readings from historical sources and narration. Works are drawn from the songs of Gustav Mahler, including selections from the Rückert-Lieder (with piano transcriptions arranged by Mr. Arul), Franz Liszts Sonetti di Petrarca (vocal and solo piano versions), Liszts Ballade No. 2 in B Minor (solo piano), and Schuberts Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (with clarinet).