September 24, 2006
Gary Graffman: A Celebration, September 24th
Philadelphia is home to one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world, The Curtis Institute of Music. Tonight, Kimmel Center Presents joins together with Curtis to honor the legacy of Gary Graffman, the celebrated pianist and, until this past May, Curtis' President. On hand to honor Mr. Graffman are some of his most accomplished students, Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, and Ignat Solzhenitsyn (who is currently the Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia). Some of Mr. Graffman's colleagues from Curtis will also perform, Claude Frank and Leon Fleisher (who will appear at the Kimmel Center later in the season), and so will the Maestro of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Christoph Eschenbach.
Consider the comment section of this post your place to offer your own tribute to Gary Graffman as well as your impressions of the concert.
Comments
What a joyful and uplifting concert! It is always reassuring to see music alive and well in Philadelphia and to hear performances by wonderful new young artists as well as the seasoned and experienced ones. The tributes to Mr. Graffman were touching and heartfelt. It's so important to publicly applaud and appreciate those in our midst who make a difference!
I also loved the addition of the strings - and took particular pleasure in watching the rapture expressed on the face of the cellist as he immersed himself in the music. Thank you for an evening of exquisite music!