The Eastern Festival Orchestra

Gerard Schwarz, conductor
André Watts, piano

Sunday, July 20, 2008 · 8pm

Farthing Auditorium[ Map ]

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

$25 / $18 / $15 / $10 / $5

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"There [is] no mistaking the virtuosity of André Watts. ...His technique has the sleek, polished facility of someone born to the instrument." - The New York Times

"Schwarz's commitment and meticulous preparation were evident in every line of the music... Schwarz and his orchestra were most commandingly in the vein, and his interpretation, at once sensitive and athletic, served the music's strength and integrity without ever degenerating into sentimentalism or mere bluster." - Seen and Heard International

Gerard Schwarz is internationally recognized for his engaging performances, innovative programming and renowned recording history. Maestro Schwarz is Music Director of the Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina, and is in his 23rd year as Music Director for the Seattle Symphony. He has also served as Music Director of New York's Mostly Mozart Festival, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and New York Chamber Symphony. Schwarz was the first American to be named Conductor of the Year by Musical America. He has received 11 Grammy nominations, six ASCAP awards, and numerous Stereo Review and Ovation awards. In 2007, he received an Emmy for his performance with Seattle Symphony of Shostakovich's Eighth Symphony and won critical acclaim for his remarkable collaboration with Dale Chihuly to present Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle.

On July 20, Maestro Schwarz will conduct the symphony in Grieg's Lyric Suite and Piano Concerto in a minor and Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D Major.

One of the world's most celebrated and beloved pianists returns to An Appalachian Summer Festival to perform the Grieg Piano Concerto in a minor. André Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 45 years later, André Watts performs each year with the world's great orchestras and conductors. His sold-out recitals and appearances at the most prestigious international festivals bring him to every corner of the globe.