HB Artist Series Faculty Concert: A Celebration of 20th-Century Masterworks
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm, members of Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s world-class faculty will take the stage at 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, to perform an exciting program of 20th-century masterpieces. With an array of styles ranging from lyrical and expressive to bold and dynamic, this concert offers something for every music lover.
The concert opens with a performance by Faculty pianist Joan Forsyth with guest violinist David Fulmer of Amy Beach’s Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23, a work of lyrical beauty and lush harmonies that highlight Beach’s remarkable gift for melody. The duo will also perform Henry Cowell’s Violin Sonata, HC. 705, featuring two contrasting movements: Ballade, a deeply expressive and contemplative piece, and Jig, an energetic dance brimming with rhythmic vitality.
The afternoon continues with Samuel Barber’s Sonata for Violoncello and Piano, Op. 6, performed by faculty cellist Peter Seidenberg and guest pianist Hui-Mei Lin. This early work by Barber is a powerful blend of lyricism and dramatic intensity, with an ardent opening, a strikingly contrasting Adagio–Scherzo, and a fiery finale filled with passion and exuberance.
Acclaimed faculty pianist Maxim Pakhomov presents Leoš Janáček’s Piano Sonata, 1.X.1905, a deeply moving tribute to a slain worker during a political protest. The two movements, Die Ahnung (The Presentiment) and Der Tod (The Death), paint an emotional portrait of tragedy and loss, full of Janáček’s signature harmonic intensity and evocative textures.
The concert culminates with Charles Ives’ Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano, a bold and innovative work performed by faculty members April Johnson, violin; Peter Seidenberg, cello; and pianist Tomoko Uchino. This adventurous piece juxtaposes traditional melodies with daring harmonies, featuring the playful and unpredictable TSIAJ (This Scherzo Is A Joke) and concluding with the passionate and rhythmically dynamic Moderato con moto.
Program and performers are subject to change.
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
