At its core a home is a life source, a place where people and ideas can thrive. For over 33 years, the American Pianists Association has been such a life source for its musicians. That home has inspired pianists, composers and other virtuosos – through fellowships, competitions, and community outreach to create full-fledged professionals that touch and improve our local and national cultural landscape. That’s why I believe the APA is a necessity!
It’s an organization full of vitality and creative forward thinking. And, through the APA especially, our love of music continues to unite and bring together audiences of all ages and languages. That’s why for the past three years, I have been honored not only of being an active board member of the APA, but thrilled when initially asked to Co- Chair a new annual fundraiser. Along with my Co-Chair and great friend Bob Gowen, we were charged with executing a new way of bringing people together that would marry the musical mastery of our APA Fellows with a fun evening of delicious food and spirits. These annual creatively themed events were to not only entertain but also educate by providing visibility to the APA’s mission and work, and allow our local community to engage in the social spirit of music! I’d like to give you a little taste of our last two sold out fundraisers where we reveled in pairing delicious tastings of food and libation with masterful musical talents of our Fellows.
We kicked-off three years ago with a unique beer tasting called Beethoven and Brew at the Rathskeller, where APA Fellow John Salmon memorably and brilliantly enchanted us with his musical interpretations inspired by unique German food and lager. Most notable was his clever interpretation of the Schlenkerla Urbock lager; Dark and primal to the palate upon tasting, but observed by Mr. Salmon as having a clearly concealed and nuanced beauty that would conjure a timeless piece equal to his interpretation: the 1st movement of Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata. Last year’s entrancing Chopin and Champagne at Mo’s mesmerized all of us when Fellow Michael Lewin stunned with one of his graceful yet penetrating displays of artistry by playing Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne in D-flat major– paired with, and inspired by, the Gramona Grand Cuvee Cava Champagne, Foie gras pate with balsamic onions on toast points, Chickpea hummus with jalapeno and cilantro on pita crisps. And this was just the beginning of the evening!
This year on April 29th we are poised to have our most inspired fundraiser yet called Reds, Whites and Blues! The jazz-inspired evening at The Jazz Kitchen will send blues into the night air, as American Pianists Association 2011 finalist Jeremy Siskind takes the stage in a veritable theater in the round to perform pieces inspired by the evening’s vintages. These bold red and whites, paired with savory bites and Mr. Siskind’s matchless musical flair are guaranteed to set a whole new tone and standard!
For those of you who have been supporters at our past events, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and celebrate you for being the keepers of the APA collective home. It’s our shared passion of artistic sensibilities, our true love for nurturing music and art, and our continued support – alive and alert with hope- that has built the American Pianists Association –our home for aspiring musicians. I encourage you, our patrons, old and new friends, to attend Reds, Whites and Blues for the rare opportunity in tasting some of the finest wines, revel in the musical mastery of a piano master, and support, and enhance, the work and music we care about.
See you at The Jazz Kitchen!
Izabela Ozdemir
Co- Chair
Reds, Whites and Blues
Tickets can be purchased for $75.00 per person directly from the APA website www.americanpianists.org.
American Pianists Association 