This solo piano concert will be like none you’ve ever heard, exploring the rich history of the Great Brazilian Songbook as interpreted by a modern-day piano genius.
Robert Ginsburg, jazz curator
To music lovers and critics in Brazil, André Mehmari is a musical wonder and a source of national pride. Imagine a meeting of Mozart and Keith Jarrett in Brazil: Mozart for the intensity of his creation, Jarrett for his relationship to improvisation at the modern piano.
“For nearly 20 years it’s been my ambition to bring this piano phenom to Walton Arts Center, but he has been an illusive targe,” said Ginsburg. “He rarely tours in the U.S. and keeps a busy schedule in his home country of Brazil. We finally landed a date, and this solo piano concert will be like none you’ve ever heard, exploring the rich history of the Great Brazilian Songbook as interpreted by a modern day piano genius.”
Mehmari’s standards are the compositions that comprise what he calls “The Great Brazilian Songbook,” works written at the same time that the Great American Songbook was created, and equally rich in lyricism and sublimity. All of the world’s songbooks and literature are his realm, a borderless inspiration expressed in his compositions and improvisations.
He proves his skill and prowess in this area during his solo piano performances where he invites the audience to give him suggestions which, in the moment, he spins into an improvised suite. He invites you to come to the concert with the music you love and offer it for the creation of these one-time-only but forever memorable creations. Come hear one of the greatest musical minds of our time when Mehmari take the stage at 8 pm on Saturday, Sept. 20. All-in ticket prices are are $40.25-$63.25.