Celebrated Performance by Blind Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii
Nobuyuki Tsujii, a blind pianist who has achieved remarkable success in the classical music scene, is set to perform Chopin?s First Piano Concerto with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra on January 21. Despite his visual impairment, Tsujii won the Gold Medal at the renowned Van Cliburn Piano Competition in 2009 and has since built an international career. Known as Nobu, he learns music primarily by ear, utilizing a method that involves repeated listening to recordings and occasionally using Braille scores. Tsujii expressed his admiration for Chopin?s work, noting the emotional depth and technical elements that make it a joy to perform. Collaborating with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, which operates without a conductor, aligns with his approach to music, fostering a more immediate and interactive performance experience. This concert, part of the Utsey Series, is free to the public and showcases Tsujii's unique talent and dedication to his craft.
Greenville Symphony Celebrates Baroque Masterpieces
The upcoming performances of the Greenville Symphony at the Peace Center?s Gunter Theatre on March 2-3 will highlight the elegance and energy of Baroque music. The program features compositions by renowned 18th-century composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Johann Friedrich Fasch, along with contemporary works that honor these traditions. Notably, American composer Philip Glass?s concerto from 2002 incorporates the harpsichord, a hallmark of the Baroque era, demonstrating a blend of past and present. Guest conductor Gary Robinson, a veteran percussionist and former music director, emphasizes the program's dual focus on historical authenticity and modern interpretation. Award-winning organist Caroline Robinson, who grew up in Greenville, will perform as the soloist in Glass?s concerto, marking a unique collaboration with her father, Gary. The concert will include Bach's celebrated Orchestral Suite No. 3 and Fasch's lively Overture, along with an excerpt from Respighi?s ?Ancient Airs and Dances.? The musicians aim to provide an authentic Baroque experience with period-appropriate techniques. Pre-concert discussions will be hosted by Paul Hyde.
