BLOG: Current Events!

Highlights of 2019: Winter/Spring Performances

1/17/2019

Happy New Year! At long last, I am happy to share some highlight performances with all of you during the next few months. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. I am very excited about all of these upcoming projects.

Jan. 18th: Solo Recital. Private Event for the Unitarian Church of Davis, CA.
Feb. 13th: Chamber music by Shostakovich and Babajanian.
Chase Spruill, violin, Dagenais Smiley, violin, Robert Levine, viola, Susan Lamb Cook, cello
   Noon: Westminster Church, Sacramento, CA: Babajanian: Piano Trio
   7:30pm University Retirement Community, Davis, CA: Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
Feb. 14th: Chamber music by Shostakovich and Babajanian, UC Davis Noontime Concerts at the Pitzer Center, Davis, CA. https://arts.ucdavis.edu/event/music-shostakovich
Chase Spruill, violin, Dagenais Smiley, violin, Robert Levine, viola, Susan Lamb Cook, cello
   Babajanian: Piano Trio and Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
Feb. 17th at 2pm: Chamber music by Shostakovich and Babajanian.
Harris Center, Folsom, CA. https://www.harriscenter.net/online/mapSelect.asp
Chase Spruill, violin, Dagenais Smiley, violin, Robert Levine, viola, Susan Lamb Cook, cello
   Babajanian: Piano Trio, Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 3, Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
Mar. 23rd at 7pm: Works for Cello and Piano, with Adrienne Taylor, cellist.
Unitarian Church, Davis, CA. Works by Beethoven, Chopin and Schubert
April 15th-19th: Hiking the Escalante Route in the Grand Canyon, AZ.
A 40 year celebration!
May 12th at 3pm: Solo Recital at Crocker Art Museum.
   Chopin: Sonata No. 3 and a late Beethoven Sonata

3 Comments

Interview with conductor Christian Baldini!

11/16/2018

2 Comments

MUSIC, UNCATEGORIZED
Christian Baldini in conversation with pianist Andrei Baumann
October 9, 2018 christianbaldiniblog

In preparation for our upcoming performance of Copland’s Piano Concerto at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis, I spent some time with Andrei Baumann talking about Copland, music in general, and about the importance and role that art has in society nowadays.
Christian Baldini: How would you describe the Copland Piano Concerto to someone that’s never listened to it, or who knows nothing about it?
Andrei Baumann: Be open-minded. You will hear sounds that are jarring and dissonant. Expect the unexpected. After listening to the piece for the first time, you will hopefully want to listen to it a few MORE times, because it moves by so quickly and can seem so spontaneous and unexpected. If the first movement has gone by, and you have enjoyed the wonderful melodies exchanged between the piano and orchestra; the piano cadenza to begin the second movement will be a good hint for what’s to come!
CB: One could undoubtedly describe Aaron Copland as one of the great American composers, with vast influences on so many others such as Leonard Bernstein, but perhaps reaching out to other cultures as well such as Carlos Chávez or Alberto Ginastera. In this concerto, the obvious references to jazz and blues are crystal clear and omnipresent, and in some of his other music we have references to the “folksy feeling”, in Copland’s own words, or even the adoption of serialism. These terms can all equally be used to describe Copland’s varied output. How do you see Copland’s legacy in the music of the 20th and 21st century?
AB: Copland’s language is very new to me. I remember working on his Sextet at a chamber music festival. It took such a long time for us to find a level of comfort while working on this piece. I love his songs set to Emily Dickinson poetry, and of course Appalachian Spring.
I think Copland’s music is very accessible to audiences. In the 21st century, we have become accustomed to hearing so many different sounds. As someone whose ear is more drawn to tonality, I naturally am inclined towards Jazz Standards and Classical harmony. The musical world today is so different. Copland’s music feels like a mish-mash of the “old and the new.” He is truly a great American composer.
CB: Everyone knows Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which was written just two years prior to the Copland Piano Concerto, but why do you think such few people know about this piece? I was fortunate to get to know this piece as I was assisting Michael Tilson Thomas with the San Francisco Symphony, and one week Inon Barnatan came to play this piece. What do you think is the reason that this wonderful concerto has not become a staple in the repertoire?
AB: This is a great question, for many reasons. One of the reasons that I have become so drawn to this piece is that the soloist and orchestra play equally important roles. I can imagine parts of the second movement being played by a big band! Sometimes I have the feeling that I am playing in a jazz combo, big band or large chamber music ensemble. I can’t understand why this concerto is not performed more often. I wonder if the fact that the orchestra and soloist parts are so intertwined makes this piece less appealing to learn. Certainly it is not a concerto that would be suitable for piano competitions, which are such a staple of ones early musical development. Hopefully this concerto will be performed much more in the future!
CB: How did you start with music?
I was introduced to music in a very unique way. My father loves Classical music, and introduced me to this music at a very young age. I fell in love with this music instantly. I have always loved playing chamber music: the interaction with other musicians, exchanging ideas, coming up with a common interpretation. A vivid memory was an outreach performance of Schubert’s Trout Quintet in Toronto. Three of us absolutely adored the piece, and we got two friends to join our group. We only performed the piece once, but I was felt as though I couldn’t stop smiling inside for the full hour! We were so lucky to play such a glorious piece of music, and communicate this together to an audience.
CB: What have been the most inspiring experiences and people to you in your professional life?
AB: In recent years, people who have inspired me the most are artists who are introducing music to the community. Some of these families would never have access to music, and these musicians educate students in a most commendable way. Locally here in Davis, Sandra Brown; in Vacaville, Chase Spruill is doing wonders for the music program at Sierra Vista; and in Providence, Rhode Island, Adrienne Taylor: who represents Community Music Works in a most admirable way. These individuals have a unique ability to communicate the language of music and to inspire the next generation.
CB: Are there any other piano concertos that you would love to play after this one? Which ones?
AB: In no particular order: Rachmaninoff 2nd, both Chopin concertos, and Beethoven’s 3rd and 4th concertos. Playing a concerto is such a unique and thrilling experience.
CB: What would you say is the role of music in society nowadays?
I believe that music can play a much greater role in society. In this country, Classical music and Jazz are appreciated by a wonderful group of enthusiasts. While I’m extremely grateful to these enthusiasts, the greater population seems very much out of touch with this tradition. It would be easy to see this as a fault, however the problems are numerous. Music and art should be a foundation of our education. If this music is presented and celebrated from a young age, then the group of enthusiasts could grow in years to come. In an age where we seem to be more and more isolated, music can create community. Thankfully it is still not possible to have an ensemble made up of iPhones and computers instead of musicians. People need to be involved, and this is clearly positive!
The excuse that tickets for concerts are too expensive simply doesn’t work. How expensive is it to go see a sports event in Sacramento or the Bay area? Are people just simply losing interest? Somehow music seems to be losing its way, and I really believe it starts from the beginning. Hopefully people will still appreciate listening to a Beethoven symphony in 100 years.

https://christianbaldiniblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/christian-baldini-in-conversation-with-pianist-andrei-baumann/

2 Comments

A November to Remember! Copland with the UCD Symphony!

10/30/2018

0 Comments

As we near the end of 2018, I feel extremely fortunate to have made some wonderful musical memories, and to have shared many inspirational moments with great company. While the world, in particular the "United" States of America never ceases to amaze: we still have friendships, music and nature. Thank Goodness!

On November 18th, 2018; I will be performing Copland's Piano Concerto with the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra at the Mondavi Center in Davis, CA. Christian Baldini will be conducting. The program also features Mahler's Symphony No. 5. Please click on this link to purchase tickets: http://arts.ucdavis.edu/symphony-orchestra-concerts This past Sunday, geologist Eldridge Moores passed away in a fire in Quincy, CA. He was one of the first people to welcome me to the Unitarian Church in Davis (where I am currently the accompanist for the Sparks choir), and his caring and generosity will be greatly missed by all. Our Copland performance will be dedicated to him.

In October 2018, I had the privilege to perform with Community Music Works musicians on the Sonata Series and at the Chopin Club in Providence, RI. For our RISD Sonata Series performance, I haven't seen so many people under age 25 at a concert in years!! We played Prokofiev's Violin Sonata No. 2 and Chopin's Cello Sonata. My continued collaboration with cellist Adrienne Taylor will lead us to recitals in Davis, CA in March of 2019. Our program will feature works by Beethoven, Chopin and other friends.

More updates coming soon..

Lake Aloha Sunrise, late Sept. 2018

0 Comments

Celebrating the present, and future events!!

6/7/2018

0 Comments

Here in the valley, the colors have changed from green to gold! Summer has arrived in the Golden State. The temperatures are still under 100F, but we all know what lies ahead.

Saturday, June 9th at 7pm: BENEFIT CONCERT for Unitarian Church of Davis.
Solo Recital at the Unitarian Church in Davis, CA. Suggested Donation, $20.
Works by J.S. Bach, Chopin, Spruill, Ives and Beethoven.
For more information:
https://www.davisenterprise.com/arts/andrei-baumann-piano-concert-set-for-june-9/

Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30pm: Solo Recital at University Retirement Community in Davis. Works by J.S. Bach, Spruill, TBD. If you can't make it on June 9th, here is another opportunity to hear selection from the June 9th program. Limited seating.

July 9-13th: Piano Faculty. Sacramento Youth Symphony Chamber Music Workshop, at Sacramento State.
http://www.sacramentoyouthsymphony.org/summer-workshops-scmw

July 22nd-August 12: Head of Piano Department, at Camp Encore/Coda, in Sweden, ME.
Faculty member. Piano, Chamber Music, Musicianship.
Special assistant: Ping Pong lessons on the North Porch
https://www.encore-coda.com. Solo Recital on July 29th, at camp!

----
FUTURE HIGHLIGHTS include:
October 18th, Sonata Series performance, Community Music Works in Providence, RI.
Chopin Cello Sonata, with Adrienne Taylor.

November 18th: Copland Piano Concerto with the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, Mondavi Center, Davis, CA.

Mothers Day 2019: Exploring Preludes. Solo Recital at Crocker Art Museum, in Sacramento, CA.

0 Comments

June Solo Recitals in Davis!!

5/22/2018

0 Comments

With summer right around the corner, I am very excited to be playing two exciting solo programs in Davis. In February of 2018, I started working at the Unitarian Church of Davis, as the accompanist for the Sunday church services. This community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to explore improvisation each Sunday, and the results have been very fulfilling!

On June 9th, at 7pm, I will be playing a Solo Recital at the Unitarian Church in Davis. This is a Benefit Concert for the Church. Suggested Donation is $20. The program will include works by old friends: Bach, Chopin, Ives and Beethoven. It will also include a new composition by a wonderful friend/violinist/educator who is creating a vibrant musical community at Sierra Vista Middle School in Vacaville, CA. Chase Spruill has written some short pieces for me, and I am honored to play them on this program.

If you are unable to attend the June 9th performance, I will be playing excerpts from the program on June 20th at the University Retirement Community in Davis. This recital will begin at 7:30pm.

Basin Pond, Summer of 2016. NH/Maine Border.

0 Comments

Photos from Wennberg Festival, at the Mondavi Center!

4/9/2018

2 Comments

Yesterday, the Davis music community had a wonderful gathering at the Mondavi Center. This concert was a tribute to the late Bodil Wennberg, who was my cello teacher over 25 years ago. I played two solo pieces: Chopin's Ballade No. 4 and Brahms Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2. What was very inspiring was to be able to use some of the new ideas which I'm learning through Alexander Technique during this performance. Finding physical freedom while performing will always be a work in progress, but I am so happy to be on my way!!
Susan Lamb Cook presented 3 chamber music groups from her Winter Chamber Music Program. I had a wonderful time coaching these wonderful young musicians, and also enjoyed joining Sophie Zhang and Corbin Weiss in Schubert's Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 99. Many thanks to Michelle Kuphar and Xin Xu for the photos.

2 Comments

April 8th-12th: Wennberg Recital at Mondavi, 2 more recitals in Davis!!

4/1/2018

0 Comments

Sunday, April 8th at 2pm: Wennberg Festival concert, in the Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
  -SOLO Works: Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52; Brahms: Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2. CHAMBER music by Schubert with students of Susan Lamb Cook.
For Tickets and additional information, please click on the link below:
https://www.mondaviarts.org/event/2017-18/22nd-annual-wennberg-music-festival

Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30pm: Recital with Roger Xia, violin.
   University Retirement Community, Davis, CA
-Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2; Ravel: Tzigane;
   Bernstein: Three Movements from West Side Story

Thursday, April 12th at 7:30pm: Recital with Robert Levine, viola.
   University Retirement Community, Davis, CA
  -Solo: Chopin: Polonaise-Fantasy in A-flat Major, Op. 61; Brahms Violin Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2

Photos: Lone Pine Peak and Mt Whitney, from the Alabama Hills. March 2018. Sonoma Coast, March 2018

0 Comments

LIVE FROM UCDAVIS, in a few hours!!!

2/8/2018

0 Comments

Today, Thursday, Feb. 8th at Noon! Live from UC Davis Pitzer Hall
Ravel String Quartet. 30 Minutes later, Faure Piano Quartet.
Please click on the link, and tune in!
Chase Spruill, violin, A.B., piano, Susan Lamb Cook, cello, Robert Levine, viola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzGreNfPXU8

0 Comments

Grieg Concerto at Mondavi! More photos

2/7/2018

0 Comments

Grieg Concerto: pictures and audience feedback!!

2/7/2018

0 Comments

What a special day it was! So many wonderful memories.

Patron Comments, shared from the Auburn Symphony:
"Mr. Baumann is perhaps the most enjoyable pianist we have ever heard. Very expressive, puts a lot of feeling into his playing. A joy to watch. We looked him up on the internet when we returned home and were most interested to learn he is a native of Davis. Davis can be very proud."

"Andrei Baumann was just superb in his performance of the
Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor Opus 16, and his encore rendition of
Clair de Lune by Debussy was the best performance of that piece that we
have ever heard."

"The concert was beyond fantastic!! Andrei played with such feeling we
were deeply moved by the performance."

"Pianist Andrei Baumann gave a truly memorable performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto."

0 Comments

<<Previous

Highlights of 2019: Winter/Spring Performances

Interview with conductor Christian Baldini!

A November to Remember! Copland with the UCD Symphony!

Celebrating the present, and future events!!

June Solo Recitals in Davis!!

Photos from Wennberg Festival, at the Mondavi Center!

April 8th-12th: Wennberg Recital at Mondavi, 2 more recitals in Davis!!

LIVE FROM UCDAVIS, in a few hours!!!

Grieg Concerto at Mondavi! More photos

Grieg Concerto: pictures and audience feedback!!

Archives

Categories