Friends of the Arts

An Afternoon with Gershwin
featuring Thomas Pandolfi, Steinway Artist

Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00p.m.
At the Library Auditorium

We are very fortunate to be able to present the world-class young American pianist THOMAS PANDOLFI in a special Mother's Day concert. Pandolfi is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, is becoming more and more sought after by audiences worldwide, and showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique. His orchestral appearances often feature the beloved masterpiece concerti by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Liszt, and others. Thomas is also considered a leading interpreter of the works of George Gershwin. Thomas' career has included performances with such European orchestras as The George Enescu Philharmonic, The Cluj Philharmonic, The Moravian Philharmonic, The National Philharmonic of the Republic of Moldova, and The Aberystwyth Symphony in Wales, as well as the American symphony orchestras of Mississippi, Cedar Rapids, Asheville, Princeton, San Angelo, York, Fairfax, Northbrook, Great Falls, and Owensboro to name but a few.

Of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Asheville Symphony, The Asheville Citizen-Times remarked, "Pandolfi is a standout among today's young pianists, demonstrating a great technician's grace, finesse and polish...his virtuosity and strength might have had some believing that Liszt himself had taken over the keyboard." Equally popular as a recitalist, Pandolfi has appeared in concert halls nationwide. The Washington Post has described him as "an artist who is master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line. Pandolfi possesses first-rate technical skills, an unerring comma nd of phrasing, a quicksilver touch and cunning legerdemain when it comes to pedaling...etched with calm and crystal clarity...outstanding."

During the 2009-10 season, Thomas was guest soloist in the world premiere of British composer, Simon Proctor's, dazzling and unique "James Bond" Piano Concerto in London. Highlights during the 2010-11 season were the release of his 6th CD album, along with guest soloist appearances with The National Philharmonic of Moldova, The Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra (PA), and the LaPorte Symphony (IN). A graduate of The Juilliard School, Pandolfi earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees as a scholarship student. To keep informed of the latest updates, please visit www.ThomasPandolfi.com