Chopin Project Concert Series Announces 2018-19 schedule

BRADENTON, FL -- Presenting renowned artists of exceptional talent in solo, as well as duo performances, The Chopin Project Concert Series, with performances in Sarasota and Bradenton November 2018 through February 2019, showcases the scope and breadth of Fryderyk Chopin’s works, those of his musical forebears, contemporaries, and successors.

The concert programs, which are always free of charge to students, offer an opportunity for all ages and levels of interest to experience and indulge in the music composed by Chopin and other masters. Upcoming concerts in Manatee and Sarasota counties follow, with additional performances in Tampa and St. Pete, Fla., which can be found at www.chopinproject.com.

2018-19 Concert Series Schedule

November 9 | Featuring Matthew Graybil, Piano | Rhiannon Banerdt, Violin

Theme: National & Exoticism

Braden River High School

6545 State Road 70 East

Bradenton, FL 34203

9:00 a.m.

Tickets: Students free | outside guests $35- This is a student outreach opportunity. Teachers or organization administrators should contact Frederick Slutsky at 813.966.1933 for more information.

This special performance showcases the artistic talents of pianist, Matthew Graybil and violinist, Rhiannon Banerdt. The performance will also feature one or more new, Chopin Project arrangements, including a beautiful Chopin Nocturne, rendered as a duet, to be performed by a student at Braden River High School and Mr. Graybil.

The new arrangements are part of a series published by The Chopin Project as simplified versions, in solo or duet format of short, often well-known pieces that accommodate the range of proficiency from late beginner to late intermediate piano students. Two players collaborate as each play his or her own part and when combined, bring together the complete and nearly original version of the piece. This outreach performance will be inspiring to all music lovers in attendance.

November 11 | Featuring Matthew Graybil, Piano | Rhiannon Banerdt, Violin

Theme: National & Exoticism

Throughout history, music has been a touchstone of cultural pride and national identity around the world. This program highlights the variety of ways in which composers have celebrated their own heritage as well as explores the ways in which they have taken inspiration from the music of exotic faraway lands, or what they borrow from right next door. World-renowned pianist Matthew Graybil and internationally acclaimed violinist Rhiannon Banerdt combine extraordinary talents in a piano/violin duo performance featuring the music of Chopin, Dvorak, Ravel, de Falla, and Saint-Saens.

Church of the Redeemer

222 South Palm Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34236

7:00 p.m.

Tickets:$35

December 11 | Featuring Arthur Greene, Solo Piano

Theme: An Evening of Chopin: Rarities & Favorites

Featuring Chopin favorites and almost-never-performed rarities, the December concerts include a rare Chopin original edition of (arguably) the world's most beloved Nocturne. From the earliest to the latest of Chopin's works, Arthur Greene, pianist and educator, will also provide interesting historical context from the stage. Greene earned first prize in both William Kapell and Gina Bachauer International Piano Competitions.

Church of the Redeemer

222 South Palm Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34236

7:00 p.m.

Tickets:$35

February 24 | Featuring Svetlana Smolina, Solo Piano*

Church of the Redeemer

Great Music Series

222 South Palm Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34236

7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $35

Part of the Church of the Redeemer’s Great Music Series, Russian pianist Svetlana Smolina will perform a program entitled “Chasing Chopin” to include 24 Preludes, Opus 28 and other selections.

* Additional performances to be announced.

For more information and to purchase tickets:

www.chopinproject.com or call 813.966.1933. Tickets can also be purchased directly through each venue as noted below.

About The Chopin Project

Through its original sponsorships by University of Michigan’s acclaimed School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Copernicus Endowment and Frederick Slutsky Arts, The Chopin Project® began as a live-concert-and-symposium series in 2007. Through a series of nine concerts, renowned teacher and performer Arthur Greene and select members of his studio created a chronological traversal of Chopin’s solo piano repertory.

In the past ten years, The Chopin Project has grown online to reach a worldwide community of music fans, students, and scholars – from the most casual to the most deeply committed. In the also includes a robust and growing series of live concerts from November through April each year with performances in Sarasota, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. as well as student outreach events in Bradenton and Hudson, Florida. For more information, visit www.chopinproject.com.