The HB Artist Series at Hoff-Barthelson Music School (HBMS) continues its 2024-25 season with a highly anticipated concert on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:30 pm. This exciting evening will feature a diverse program showcasing a wide range of musical styles performed by members of the School's distinguished faculty. The concert will be held at the School, 25 School Lane, in Scarsdale, NY.
The evening’s program features both classical and contemporary works, offering something for every music lover, and begins with three pieces for flute and piano performed by Donna Elaine, flute, and Emily White, piano:
• Sonata – Bohuslav Martinů
The concert will feature the Allegro poco moderato movement. Inspired by Martinů's experience nursing an injured whippoorwill back to health in Cape Cod, this movement evokes the bird's song through lyrical melodies and rhythmic complexity. It captures the essence of the bird’s delicate yet resilient nature, making it a poignant and evocative piece for flute and piano.
• Le Merle Noir – Olivier Messiaen
A mesmerizing piece inspired by the sounds of a blackbird, Messiaen’s inventive use of rhythm and harmony captures the essence of nature’s song.
• Nightingale Polka – Ernesto Koehler
A lively and playful polka, this piece features virtuosic flute lines that evoke the cheerful spirit of a nightingale in full song.
Additional works to be performed include:
• Piano Trio (2003) – Jennifer Higdon
A stunning example of contemporary American composition, Higdon’s Piano Trio alternates between the gentle colors of Pale Yellow and the fiery intensity of Fiery Red. Performed by Sunhwa Kim, piano with guest artists Eric Tsai, violin; and Connor Kim, cello.
• String Quintet, Op. 39 – Alexander Glazunov
This lush and emotive work takes the audience through contrasting moods, from tranquil passages to vibrant and animated themes. Performed by Eriko Sato, violin; Lani King Chang, violin; Leslie Tomkins, viola; Michael Finckel, cello; and guest artist Mark Humburg, cello.
• Piano Trio – Rebecca Clarke
Clarke’s intricate and evocative trio is a masterwork of early 20th-century chamber music, blending lush harmonies with passionate expression. Performed by Laura Giannini, violin; Lila Ainsworth, cello; and Vered Reznik, piano.
Program and performers are subject to change.
The Hoff-Barthelson faculty comprises some of the nation’s most distinguished performers and educators. Many hold chairs in prominent New York orchestras, are members of world-class chamber ensembles, perform in major Broadway productions, and are in international demand as solo artists. Others teach at leading conservatories including The Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, and Juilliard Pre-College. These superb musicians contribute to the School’s national recognition for unsurpassed excellence in music education. Hoff-Barthelson prides itself on providing access to these outstanding artist-educators in the heart of Westchester. These concerts guarantee riveting music making of the highest caliber, in an intimate setting, at prices far below those in New York’s major concert halls.
Tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. Hoff-Barthelson Music School students can attend for free but must reserve their tickets in advance.
About Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Hoff-Barthelson Music School, based in Scarsdale, NY, has earned national recognition as a premier community music school, known for its outstanding leadership in education, performance, and community service. With a faculty drawn from the region’s most talented teachers and performers, the School has long been one of Westchester County’s most cherished cultural resources. At Hoff-Barthelson, students find a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. Students of all ages, aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum.
Photo credit: Pianist and HBMS Faculty Member Sunhwa Kim; photo provided by the artist.
