San Francisco's Home for Great Concerts since 1970

Pola Baytelman – October 1, 2017 at 4 pm

Pola Baytelman, piano

Heitor Villa-Lobos selections from Bachianas brasileiras No. 4 and Ciclo brasileiro
Alberto Ginastera Milonga and Danzas Argentinas
Felix Mendelssohn Variations Sérieuses, Op. 54
Darius Milhaud selections from Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67
Paul Schoenfield Six Impressions on Hassidic Melodies
Isaac Albéniz selections from Iberia

Come to an exciting afternoon of piano music from all over the world! Pianist Pola Baytelman will perform a dramatic program of music from Brazil, Argentina, Europe and the US.  The concert will begin with music by Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos inspired by regional folk tunes. Also inspired by Brazilian rhythms are the Saudades do Brasil by French composer Darius Milhaud. In addition, Baytelman will play compositions by well-known Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. The program will include the Variations Seriueses, Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, and the beautiful Improvisations on Hasidic Melodies by American composer Paul Schoenfield. Rounding out the program, Ms. Baytelman will perform a selection of pieces from Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia – one of the great masterpieces of piano literature.

Acclaimed for her artistry, Clavier when reviewing Pola Baytelman’s recording of Albéniz’s  Iberia states: “In her hands, every bit the equal to De Larrocha’s, music jumps to life so vividly as to convey the essence of Spanish culture.” The Times Union of Albany describes her as “…a formidable pianist, quite the equal of performances by keyboard wizards who go by last name only: Horowitz, Pollini, Ashkenazy” and the Boston Globe says:“…intelligent, multifaceted playing.” Born in Chile, Baytelman made her debut with the Chilean Symphony Orchestra at the age of 17 and has since performed with numerous orchestras, in the US and abroad. Pola Baytelman is an active recitalist with a broad repertory that spans from the 18th to the 21st century. She has toured extensively in China, Europe, Hong Kong, Chile, India and across the United States. Her performances have been broadcast on radio and television in Australia, Chile, China, the Czech Republic and the United States. Pola Baytelman is Distinguished Artist-in-Residence at Skidmore College, in upstate New York. Highly respected as an artist and educator, she has taught master classes in mainland China, England, Hong Kong and throughout the US. She is a sought-after judge for international competitions in both Europe and US as well as presenter-recitalist in conferences in the US and abroad. In addition to her groundbreaking CD of the work of the brilliant Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz (Elan), Baytelman has released three additional recordings: From Chile to Cuba and Celebration of the New (Albany Records) and a recording of Robert Schumann’s Humoreske (2002 Centaur), which was listed by American Record Guide as one of the top three performances of the classic work. (Photo by Phil Scalia).

Old First Concerts has volunteer opportunities available!

Our concerts rely on the generosity of volunteers to assist with simple tasks like:

ushering

distributing programs

box office

set-up and clean-up

Scheduling is flexible — you choose when to work! We especially need helping hands for our Friday and Saturday night performances.

An excellent opportunity for students, seniors, or anyone who possesses a love for music!

If you’d like to consider volunteering with Old First Concerts, please contact curtishuth@oldfirstconcerts.org for more information.