Alexander Agate has packed a lifetime’s worth of piano study into 10 years. Currently a senior in Piano Performance at the highly regarded music department at Cal State Northridge, Agate has also participated in master classes with numerous distinguished pianists, and summer institutes led by still more luminaries. The Prokofiev “Piano Concerto #1” will showcase all his considerable skill, with its powerful, gleaming main theme, driving rhythms, and pull-out-all-the-stops finale. The Shostakovich “Festive Overture” is also high-energy, a truly festive showstopper reminiscent of a John Williams score. The other two works on the program, Dvorak’s “Czech Suite” and Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody #2,” give us vivid evocations of their composers countries and people, using lively folk dances and lyrical, characteristic melodies. And it doesn’t hurt that the “Hungarian Rhapsody” has figured in countless cartoons, songs, and movies over the years! Audience members may meet the soloist, Music Director, and other musicians at a reception following the concert. Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary.
Join us Friday, May 13, 2015.
SPONSORS: Concerts are made possible in part by the Michael J. Connell Foundation, the Pasadena Arts & Culture Commission and the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, LA County Arts Commission, Pasadena Community Foundation, and Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.
