The Program

Program to be announced

The Artist

Hailed by Strad Magazine for his "effortless, envy-provoking technique… sweet tone, brilliant expression, and grand style", Michael Ludwig enjoys a multi-faceted career as a soloist, recording artist, and chamber musician. A highly sought-after soloist, he has performed on four continents, including appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Pops, KBS Symphony in Seoul, Korea, Beijing Symphony, and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, collaborating with such conductors as JoAnn Falletta, Sir Georg Solti, and John Williams, among others. As a chamber musician, he has shared the stage with numerous acclaimed artists, such as Christoph Eschenbach, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Yefim Bronfman, Sarah Chang, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. His recording of the world premiere of Marcel Tyberg's Piano Trio in F Major was released by NAXOS in August 2010. His chamber music performances include appearances at the Prague Spring Music Festival, New Hampshire Music Festival, and a benefit appearance for the Terezin Music Foundation at Symphony Hall in Boston. He has held faculty positions at Rowan University and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, as well as the School of Orchestral Studies in Saratoga Springs, NY and the National Youth Orchestra Festival. He has also held the appointment of Sterne Virtuoso Artist-in-Residence at Skidmore College. Ludwig performs on a rare violin made in the late 1700's by the Cremonese master Lorenzo Storioni. For more information on Michael Ludwig, visit www.michaelludwig.com.

A consummate musician recognized for her grace, subtlety and vitality, Orli Shaham has established an impressive international reputation as one of today's most gifted pianists. Hailed by critics on four continents, Ms. Shaham is in demand for her prodigious skills and admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire. Highlights of Orli Shaham's 2011-2012 season included the world premiere of a piano concerto written for her by the acclaimed American composer Steven Mackey, with the St. Louis Symphony conducted by David Robertson, and the release of a new CD of Hebrew Melodies (Canary Classics), recorded with her brother, the violinist Gil Shaham. Driven by a passion to bring classical music to new audiences, Shaham maintains an active parallel career as a respected broadcaster, music writer and lecturer. She recently began a new role as host of the public radio series America's Music Festivals, a two-hour weekly program broadcast on more than 100 stations, and her classical concert series for young children, Baby Got Bach, begins its third season in 2012-13. Shaham has won the Gilmore Young Artist Award and the Avery Fisher Career Grant, two prestigious prizes given to further the development of outstanding talent. In addition to her musical education, she holds a degree in history from Columbia University. For more information on Orli Shaham, visit www.orlishaham.com.