Written by Deborah Stinchfield
On Thursday, March 11, at 7:30 pm the Foothill College Orchestra will play the second concert of its Premier Season in the Smithwick Theater on the Los Altos Hills Campus. The GRAND MASTERS Concert, conducted by Music Director and Conductor Michael Paul Gibson, includes works by Beethoven and Chopin and features international concert pianist Water Asvolinsque.
Asvolinsque will perform the Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor by Frederick Chopin. Of Chopin Avolinsque says, "He is one of my favorite composers because he speaks to my heart. The Concerto No. 2 is a very dramatic piece which he composed when he was only 19 years old. To this day, it remains a master work." Of the March 11 concert he says, "I'm looking forward to playing with the orchestra and conductor Michael Paul Gibson. Michael is a great musician and we understand each other. Foothill College is very fortunate."
Avolinsque has performed to great acclaim on 4 continents. He regularly concertizes throughout his homeland, Brazil, and recently returned from performances with the National Orchestra of Brasilia and the Orchestra Sinfonica De Mato Grosso in Cuiaba, Brazil. In addition, Mr. Avolinsque has presented solo recitals throughout the US and in Poland and China.
Born in Cuiaba, Brazil, Avolinsque began his music studies at the National Conservatory of Music in Cuiaba. Upon completing his secondary studies, he came to the United States to study with concert pianist, Anna Maria Piklweski, to whom he fully credits his development as a pianist. He holds a Masters Degree from the College of Notre Dame and is presently on the faculty of the Crestmont Conservatory of Music in San Mateo, CA.
Admission to the GRAND MASTERS Concert is $8 general admission; $6 for seniors and students; children (well behaved) up through age 13 are free. Phone the Theatre Box Office at 650-948-4444 for concert tickets and information.
For more information about the Orchestra and upcoming auditions check the website at or call (408) 873-9000. New members are being admitted for the Spring Quarter. Advanced string players in the community are especially encouraged to join.
Send e-mail to: maestro@bamusic.org