Pianists Delana Thomsen and Elena Belli Perform “Ceci et Cela” (This ‘n That) at Hoff-Barthelson Music School

Pianists Delana Thomsen and Elena Belli Perform “Ceci et Cela” (This ‘n That)

Duo-Pianists featured on Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s Recital Series

Pianists Delana Thomsen and Elena Belli are the featured artists for the 2015-2016 Hoff-Barthelson Music School HB Artist Series on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale.

The Duo will perform “Ceci et Cela” (This ‘n That) – an eclectic program of works for one piano, four hands; two pianos, four hands; solo piano; and a sonata for violin and piano with guest artist and fellow Hoff-Barthelson faculty member Gary Kosloski. Included on the program are J. S. Bach’s well-known Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” from Cantata BWV 147, arranged for two pianos; two works by Francis Poulenc – Cinq improvisations pour piano, performed by Ms. Belli; and Sonata for Piano Four Hands; The Serpent’s Kiss (Rag Fantasy) by William Bolcom, arranged by the composer for two pianos; and Karol Szymanowski’s Sonata in D minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 9, performed by Ms. Thomsen and Mr. Kosloski.

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 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. Program subject to change.

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

About Delana Thomsen:
Delana Thomsen is a highly accomplished solo and collaborative pianist who has given recitals throughout Europe and the United States as well as Master Classes in Iceland, Bulgaria, and Italy. She has appeared at numerous venues throughout the New York City area including Alice Tully Hall and Weill Hall and has been affiliated with Aspen, Juilliard and Mannes.

Ms. Thomsen has been the pianist for the violin classes of Ivan Galamian and Master Classes of Dorothy Delay, Shirley Givens, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Eleanor Lawrence, Channing Robbins, Alan Harris, Leonard Rose and Mstislav Rostropovitch. Morgunbildith in Iceland wrote “artistic . . . a first-rate musician (who) projects unusually loveable playing”; The Borba in Bulgaria wrote “Ms. Thomsen plays with an authentic and sensitive style that gives the listener a sound picture of the boundless nuances of human life”.

She is a sought-after teacher and inspiring mentor, and her pupils have received great recognition. Several have had the honor of being chosen to perform in Master Classes with distinguished artists such as Jerome Lowenthal, Edna Golandsky, and Robert MacDonald; many have won competitions including those sponsored by the Yonkers Philharmonic, Long Island Youth Orchestra, LaGuardia High School, and the Hudson Valley Music Club. She is on the piano faculties of the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division and Hoff-Barthelson Music School and has private teaching studios in New York City and Columbia County, New York.

Her teachers have been Ruth Slenczynska, Arthur Balsam and Dalmo Carra as well as 13 years of post-graduate studies with Elizabeth Moschetti Tobias, assistant to Dorothy Taubman.

About Elena Belli:
Elena Belli, pianist, is a versatile concert artist and influential teacher. As a performer she has appeared nationally and internationally as both soloist and chamber musician. She has toured throughout Europe with members of the Berlin Philharmonic and was hailed “a captivating performer . . . elegant and poetic” by the Correiro del Povo in Brazil. In New York, she has collaborated with instrumentalists and vocalists from leading ensembles including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Orpheus, and the New York Philharmonic, and has been soloist with the Columbia Festival Orchestra, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra, and the Manhattan Philharmonia.

Ms. Belli’s career is notable for its consistent tenure with ensembles, including the Poné Ensemble for New Music, and the New York based group Musical Chairs. Her expertise extends to contemporary music, including a broad array of world premieres, some written expressly for her. At present, she thoroughly enjoys her ongoing position as pianist and assistant conductor for the West Village Chorale, with whom she will be performing throughout Greece this summer.

Ms. Belli holds both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music. She is considered by her colleagues to be an extraordinarily effective educator, teaching developing young pianists passion, joy, solid musicianship and consummate technique. Past faculty positions have included The New School and Concordia College. Currently, she is on the piano faculty of the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division and the Hoff-Barthelson Music School.

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.

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.