French composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, both creating in the Impressionist style, were often viewed as competitors. Critics regarded Ravel as a lesser imitator of the older Debussy. But is that true?
On Sunday, March 15, piano virtuoso Dr. Gwendolyn Mok will perform selected compositions side-by-side, each on a similar topic. This will allow you to make your own judgments. How are the composers similar? How are they different? Does Ravel really try to imitate Debussy, or does he have his own distinct style?
The Moonlight and Mirrors recital will feature Debussy’s Moonlight Sonata and Ravel’s Miroirs, among other pieces. Dr. Mok will use the piano and visual aids to help you understand and appreciate how the two composers differed and how they were similar even while composing in the same Impressionist style.
Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
🎟️ For best results, purchase tickets now! 🎟️
Our Musician Series performances are held in a smaller, more intimate venue, bringing the musicians up close with the audience. Tickets for this season’s recitals have sold out quickly, leaving some people disappointed. An early purchase is encouraged! Call Cabrillo Box Office at 831-479-6154 or click the button below to buy tickets online.
Dr. Gwendolyn Mok has been recognized as one of the top interpreters of Maurice Ravel. Gramophone recently described her rendition of Le Tombeau de Couperin as one of the best four performances from the last century of recordings.
Dr. Mok has taught and performed the complete works of Ravel around the world. Her recent podcasts about his piano concertos have been viewed over 180,000 times, and her lessons on Ravel are featured on Tonebase, a popular teaching platform.
A frequent collaborator, Dr. Mok has appeared as soloist with many Bay Area organizations including the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Silicon Valley, and Livermore-Amadore Symphony Orchestra. She has been a regular guest in the San Francisco Chamber Series in Davies Hall, the Chamber Music Sundaes series, and the Berkeley Chamber Performances. She is often featured with the Ives Collective and the Alexander String Quartet, and has appeared as a featured artist in the San Francisco International Piano Festival. Dr. Mok maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule. Learn more here.
We are grateful to our recital sponsors:
Recital Sponsors: Catharine and James Gill
Recital Co-sponsors: Michael and Colleen Harrison