Avon Library's Winter Music Series - 2nd Concert on January 21

Sandro Russo, a pianist in demand as a soloist in venues around the world, is the featured artist on January 21 as the Friends of the Avon Library present the second of this season’s concerts in their popular music series, Sundays at Three. Mr. Russo, a Steinway Artist, will be performing a musically appealing program that includes works by Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and Ravel.

A native of Italy now living in New York City, Mr. Russo displayed exceptional musical talent from an early age. In 1995, he graduated summa cum laude from the Vincenzo Bellini Music Conservatory in Palermo then went on to earn a Piano Performing Diploma, with honors, from the Royal College of Music in London. While still a student, he won top prize awards in numerous national and international competitions.

Mr. Russo’s playing has often been referred to as a throwback to the grand tradition of elegant pianism and beautiful sound. Critic Abbey Simon has praised him as “an artist to his finger tips...musical, intuitive, and a master of the instrument.” Lowell Liebermann has called him “a musician’s musician, and a pianist’s pianist. There is no technical challenge too great for him, but it is his musicianship that ultimately makes the greatest impression. His interpretations reveal a unique and profound artist at work.”

His many recitals include performances for The Rachmaninoff Society, the Dame Myra Hess series in Chicago, Concerts Grand in Santa Rosa (CA), the American Liszt Society, the Houston International Piano Festival, the Husum Festival of Piano Rarities in Germany and the Chetham’s International Piano Festival in Manchester (U.K.). In November 2010 the Italian Academy Foundation presented Mr. Russo in a sold-out Chopin and Schumann anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall.

As a recording artist he was invited to record a DVD on the historical 1862 Bechstein piano formerly owned by Franz Liszt. He was the first artist to record on the Steinway CD-74 Horowitz piano following that artist’s death. Mr. Russo’s latest recording, “Rachmaninov-Solo Piano Works,” on the Steinway & Sons label has received great critical acclaim and was chosen “Disc of the Month” by Italy’s The Classic Voice magazine.

All are welcome to this special program in the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. Free tickets will be available at 2:15 on the day of the performance with seating starting at 2:30. The one-hour program begins at 3:00. Light refreshments baked by The Friends of the Library will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet Mr. Russo following his performance.

Contact:

Patrice Celli

Avon Free Public Library

pcelli@avonctlibrary.info

860-673-9712