Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Artist Series presents Elektra Kurtis-Stewart, violin


Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Artist Series presents Elektra Kurtis-Stewart, Violin

“My Inspirations” – a recital of works by Bach, Bartók, Szymanowski, Greek Folk Songs and Jazz

Violinist, educator and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart performs “My Inspirations”, a recital of works that serve as her inspiration on Friday, October 23, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. at the Greenville Community Church, 270 Ardsley Road, Scarsdale. Part of the Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Faculty Artist Series, Ms. Kurtis-Stewart will be joined by fellow faculty member Eleonora Rotshteyn, piano and guest artists Curtis Stewart, violin and Nicole Verderosa, cello.

Inspired by jazz and the ethnic music of her heritage, as well as the music of Bach, Bartók and more contemporary composers, Ms. Kurtis-Stewart integrates varied musical styles and traditions experienced over the course of her life into innovative recital programming. In her appearance on the HB Artist Series, she will perform a program of J.S. Bach, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky and Karol Szymanowski. Works by Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis, arranged for string trio by Ms. Kurtis-Stewart, Greek folk songs and her own original jazz, rock and blues inspired compositions complete the program.

Admission to the recital is $18, $15 for seniors (65+) and free of charge to HBMS students and students 18 years of age and younger. Tickets to a series of three or ten recitals are available at a reduced rate. Tickets can be ordered any time by calling 914-723-1169 or emailing hb@hbms.org and are available for purchase at the door.

About Elektra Kurtis-Stewart:
Violinist, educator and composer Elektra Kurtis-Stewart’s life’s mission is to bring the diverse cultures and styles of her experience together, creating a new current in New York contemporary jazz. Kurtis-Stewart grew up in Warsaw, Poland as part of a family of Greek refugees from Egypt. During her youth, Elektra listened mostly to avant-garde contemporary music created in the sixties and seventies, jazz recordings from the United States, Bartók and the folk music of Greece, Africa and Tibet. It was also during this time that she began to learn about her Greek heritage. Later, as a student of classical violin at the Sibelius Academy of Music in Helsinki, Finland, Elektra studied harmony, analysis and classical music forms along with classical violin repertoire. Eventually, she would make New York City her home where she performed with and observed the work of many jazz luminaries and contemporary jazz composers including Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, Bob Stewart, Lester Bowie, Leroy Jenkins and Billy Bang. Elektra toured with the Cuban bassist Cachao López and observed his use of montunos in Cuban danzón. She studied Arabic classical music with Simon Shaheen and played in his Near Eastern Ensemble. All these influences come together in Elektra’s compositions. Her music expresses her view of the world through the lens of her own special style and technique.

About the HB Artist Series:
Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s teaching faculty includes many preeminent performers who hold chairs in prominent New York orchestras, are members of world-class chamber ensembles, and are in international demand as solo artists. Our superb faculty has contributed to the Music School’s national recognition for unsurpassed leadership in music education and performance. Hoff-Barthelson is proud to present these distinguished performers on its annual HB Artists Series. Held in Scarsdale, these recitals guarantee riveting music making of the highest caliber, in an intimate setting, at prices far below those in New York’s major concert halls.

The 2015-2016 HB Artist Series, features nineteen recitals by faculty members in solo performance or with chamber ensembles composed of other faculty members and guest artists.

About Hoff-Barthelson Music School:
One of Westchester County’s most cherished and active cultural resources, Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and outreach for more than half a century.

The HB Artist Series is made possible, in part, by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

For additional information: 914-723-1169, hb@hbms.org, www.hbms.org.

Event Location and Ticket Information

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Greenville Community Church
270 Ardsley Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
Handicap Accessible? Yes

Date: Friday, October 23, 2015
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Ticket pricing:

Get tickets now
$18 - General Admission
$15 - Seniors (65+)
Free - Students 18 years of age and younger

Presenter: Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Presenter Phone: 914-723-1169
Presenter Website: http:www.hbms.org