A Tribute to the Pablo Casals Concert in the Kennedy White House

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax join with the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio to present a tribute to cellist Pablo Casals' 1961 White House concert. Part of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Tue., Jan. 25, 2011, 7:30 PM
Concert Hall
$20.00 - $85.00

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About

Part of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration

Throughout the 2010–2011 season, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the 50th anniversary of the presidential inauguration of its namesake. As part of this celebration, the Fortas season includes a commemoration of the famous performance given by Spanish/Catalan cellist Pablo Casals after a state dinner in 1961 in the Kennedy White House.

In addition to his exceptional artistry, Pablo Casals was a respected figure for his impassioned protest of dictatorships and of restraints on human liberty. For many years, he expressed his feelings against tyranny by silencing his cello. In 1961, he accepted an invitation to perform at the White House as a symbol of his agreement with the President's words, "we must regard artistic achievement and action as an integral part of our free society."

This special concert in the Concert Hall brings together some of the finest musical talent of today, with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Emanuel Ax, and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio playing the same program that Pablo Casals hand selected especially for the President, First Lady, and guests. The concert includes Song of the Birds, a Catalan folk song, which Casals performed at the end of every concert following his exile from Spain as a reminder of his yearning for political freedom.

Program and Notes

COUPERIN: Five pieces for cello and piano
SCHUMANN: Adagio and Allegro for cello and piano in A-flat Major, Op. 70
MENDELSSOHN: Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49
BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69
CASALS: Song of the Birds, traditional Catalan folk song

Artists

Yo-Yo Ma, cello
Emanuel Ax, piano
Joseph Kalichstein, piano
Jaime Laredo, violin
Sharon Robinson, cello

Resources

About Fortas Chamber Music Concerts at the Kennedy Center

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