Subscription Concert 7 - America250: Music of George Gershwin
Sitka Music Festival: 55th Summer Music Festival
Matt Herskowitz, Piano Natasha Paremski, Piano
Friday, June 26, 7 p.m. – Harrigan Centennial Hall
Program George Gershwin An American in Paris Three Preludes Rhapsody in Blue Matt Herskowitz, Piano
— Intermission —
Modest Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Natasha Paremski, Piano
About the Artists
Matt Herskowitz Pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz, world music and free improvisation, pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Over the course of the last decade, Matt has produced a series of critically-acclaimed recordings, premiered his works in settings from New York’s Central Park to Germany’s Köln Philharmonie, collaborated with top classical, jazz and pop artists, and has performed at music festivals across the globe.
A classical pianist for over 20 years, Matt’s interest in jazz began while studying at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, where he ‘apprenticed’ with seasoned jazz musicians performing in bars and jazz clubs. At age 30, Matt moved to Montreal and decided to focus on jazz, with a detour into pop music along the way with the celebrated pop diva Lara Fabian. His focus soon shifted to his own compositions, combining his experience in jazz, pop and “World” music with his skills in contemporary classical composition and performance. But his love for classical music never left him, and in 2013 he began making innovative arrangements of classical pieces in a variety of jazz styles, all while retaining the integrity of the original pieces, something uniquely suited to him as being equally versed in both genres.
A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Matt is originally from Rensselaerville, New York, and has made Montreal his adopted home since 1999.
Natasha Paremski With her consistently striking and dynamic performances, pianist Natasha Paremski reveals astounding virtuosity and profound interpretations. She continues to generate excitement from all corners as she wins over audiences with her musical sensibility and a powerful, flawless technique.
Natasha is a regular return guest of many major orchestras... [full bio as fetched] She has performed with major orchestras in North America... toured extensively in Europe... In addition, she has toured with Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica... Natasha has given recitals at the Auditorium du Louvre... A passionate chamber musician, Natasha is a regular recital partner of Grammy winning cellist Zuill Bailey, with whom she has recorded a number of CDs... Natasha was awarded several prestigious prizes at a very young age... With a strong focus on new music... Natasha began her piano studies at the age of four... Born in Moscow, Natasha moved to the United States at the age of eight... and is now based in New York City where she is Artistic Director of the New York Piano Society.
About the Sitka Music Festival
The Sitka Music Festival (SMF) inspires audiences, sparks creativity, and strengthens community across Alaska through world-class chamber music performances, education, and artist training. For 55 years, SMF has presented classical music at the highest artistic standards. Festival musicians have traveled to more than 40 Alaskan communities, including remote villages off the road system, sharing music with audiences who might not otherwise experience live chamber music at this level. In turn, visiting artists are enriched by the deep cultural traditions and unique landscapes of Alaska. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SMF remains committed to bringing exceptional music experiences to communities statewide.