World-famous Pianist Emanuel Ax showcases InConcert Sierra’s 2013-14 season

InConcert Sierra, founded in 1946 when local talent was the heart of entertainment in Nevada County, is drawing more and more world-class talent to the Sierra Foothills.

Three years ago, InConcert Sierra stretched the boundary — hosting a performance by the Vienna Choir Boys, one of the world’s most famous singing groups.

Our family sat about 20 feet from the stage at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Grass Valley to watch them, and our son was amazed.

Since then, InConcert has brought world-renowned classical artists, such as pianist Garrick Ohlsson, pianist Nikolaî Lugansky and guitarist José Luis Merlin.

Now, in its 2013-14 program, it will present Emanuel Ax, simply stated, one of the best classical pianists of the 21st century, on January 7, 2014, in Grass Valley.

It is the latest example of the growing arts & culture scene in Nevada County, complimented by The Center for the Arts (which has been drawing the likes of Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville and Judy Collins) and Music in the Mountains, among others. Community theater groups such as Sierra States, LeGacy Productions and Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra also are winning prestigious regional awards, called the Elly.

Besides being a Grammy-winning classical pianist, Emanuel Ax (or “Manny” for short, he’ll tell you) is a teacher on the faculty of the prestigious Julliard School.

Ax makes regular festival appearances at Aspen, the Hollywood Bowl and Tanglewood. He regularly performs duo recitals with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Their recordings together have earned three Grammy Awards.

Ax also received a Grammy award for his Brahms Trio recording with Ma and Richard Stolzman.

We attended the “Musicali-Tea” on Sunday afternoon, sponsored by InConcert Sierra and Sierra Master Chorale, and were able to get a copy of of the 2013-14 program (which we will feature in our upcoming Spring issue).

Here’s a sneak peek:

•September 22, the Sierra Master Chorale will perform with the regional SMC Orchestra.

•October 20, Stefan Jackiw, violin, and Anna Polonsky, piano

•November 17, American Pianist Association Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship winner will perform.

•December 14-15, Sierra Master Chorale and Orchestra

•January 19, Jason Vieaux, guitar

•February 16, San Francisco Opera Center Adler Fellows

•March 16, Chamber Favorites by Local Favorites

•April 20, Boston Brass, a musical quintet that is at the top of its game.

•May 15, Sierra Master Chorale & Orchestra

(photo credit: Maurice Jerry Beznos)

Here’s Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma & Emanuel Ax performing at Lincoln Center in New York: