Fiterstein, Korepanova close FOCM’s transitional season with insight, panache

The clarinet is a difficult instrument to present in recital, in part because of limited solo repertoire and, at times, the ability of the player to command the spotlight for an entire program. 

These caveats certainly did not apply to Alexander Fiterstein, who presented an outstanding concert for Friends of Chamber Music on Tuesday night at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. Fiterstein, the new co-artistic director of the venerable chamber music series, was joined by pianist Asiya Korepanova, an outstanding player and one of the finest recital accompanists.

Chochieva displays individual virtuosity for Friends of Chamber Music

Zlata Chochieva  is a formidable keyboard artist who has made occasional appearances in South Florida over the past decade. 

Chochieva returned on Tuesday night for a varied and generous recital at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, presented by Friends of Chamber Music. (She will repeat the program April 2 at Carnegie Hall in New York.)  The steely-fingered pianist can draw a huge sound from the instrument but she can also bring out the piano’s more songful, vocal impulses.

Schwarz, Korepanova prove ideal partners for Friends of Chamber Music

Some cellists make beautiful sounds. Others have less tonal charm but bring great musicality to their performances.

Julian Schwarz manages to fulfill both attributes and more. On Tuesday, Schwarz gave an outstanding recital for Friends of Chamber Music at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. He makes the instrument sing, almost like an operatic or lieder vocalist. His combination of impeccable technique, intelligent musicianship and artistic personality are special indeed.

Stephen Hough brings blazing technique and insight to varied repertoire

For over four decades, Stephen Hough has been a commanding force on the world’s concert stages. His Miami recitals for the Friends of Chamber Music have always been standout events. On Monday night, he returned with a stellar performance at Florida International University’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center. Hough’s musical insight and stunning technical facility have only deepened over the years. He was introduced by South Florida-based British conductor James Judd, a longtime collaborator.

Pianist Daneshpour opens new year with admirable artistry

On Sunday afternoon, the Friends of Chamber Music of Miami continued their 2024-2025 season with a concert by pianist Sara Daneshpour at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center at FIU. A prizewinner at the 2017 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition, Daneshpour has built a strong performance career in recent years. Her concert on Sunday displayed her admirable  qualities as a performer, and made a strong case for her artistic vision.

Trio Zimbalist offers a short but worthy concert for Friends of Chamber Music

While there is a vast trove of works for string quartet, the literature for piano trio is comparatively limited. On Monday night, Trio Zimbalist offered one of the genre’s evergreen masterpieces and were joined by violist Roberto Diaz for a rarely performed piano quartet. Presented by the Friends of Chamber Music at Florida International University’scWertheim Performing Arts Center, the concert (sans intermission) was short but the performances were exceptional.

Kholodenko opens Friends of Chamber Music season with bravura, refined artistry

Some pianists dazzle audiences with displays of sheer technique. Others offer more refined musical sensibilities.  Vadym Kholodenko manages to combine both of those artistic attributes. The Ukrainian pianist, now based in Luxembourg, has been a frequent visitor to Friends of Chamber Music. Kholodenko returned on Wednesday night to open the series’ season in stellar fashion at the FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center. Works by Schubert and Prokofiev displayed his multi-faceted interpretive persona.

Trpčeski lights a fire with blazing bravura for Friends of Chamber Music

There are pianists who are technically adept and accomplished. Then there are pianists whose technique seems to transcend what is possible on the instrument. Count Simon Trpčeski among the latter group. The Macedonian pianist made an overdue return to South Florida on Tuesday night with a stunning recital for Friends of Chamber Music at Florida International University’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center.