Seeking musical inspiration in the new year? We've got you covered!
Jon Nakamatsu, known and beloved to Santa Cruz audiences for many years, once again brings his piano artistry to the stage. Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, the Van Cliburn medalist continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying performances.
Join us for a rare opportunity to hear Mr. Nakamatsu perform in an intimate venue on Sunday, February 1 as our Musician Series continues. The recital's first half features his stunning performance of solo piano works by Bach-Busoni, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn.
A dynamic second half offers Brahms' Quintet in F Minor for Piano and Strings, where Mr. Nakamatsu will be joined by four star performers: violinist Nancy Zhou, Santa Cruz Symphony's Artist-in-Residence and Concertmaster; violinist Nigel Armstrong, former Santa Cruz Symphony Concertmaster; violist Daniel Stewart, Santa Cruz Symphony's Music Director; and cellist Jonah Kim, Santa Cruz Symphony's Principal Cello.
For tickets, call 831-479-6154 or click the button below to purchase online.
Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
Recital sponsored by Cathy and Joseph Parisie
More about our star-studded cast of performers…
Jon Nakamatsu, piano
Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying performances. "He plays Romantic-period repertoire with commanding authority," according to San Francisco Classical Voice. The 1997 Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—his career encompasses recording, education, arts administration, and public speaking in addition to his vast concert schedule.
Nancy Zhou, violin
Described as “a probing musical voice infused with searing virtuosity,” Nancy Zhou’s musicianship resonates with a global audience and brings her on stage with leading orchestras worldwide. A lover of chamber music and an explorer of nontraditional works, she brings an emphasis on the intersection of music, dance, and culture. Since 2023, she has dazzled Santa Cruz Symphony audiences with her flawless technique and beauty of interpretation in her role as Artist in Residence and Concertmaster.
Nigel Armstrong, violin
Former Santa Cruz Symphony Concertmaster Nigel Armstrong has emerged as a dynamic, creative artist both within and beyond the realm of classical music. From his musical beginnings as a member of "The Little Fiddlers" in Sonoma, CA to collaborations with tango musicians in Argentina, he's enjoyed exploring the violin's versatility throughout his life. A graduate of the Colburn School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Nigel's teachers have included Arnold Steinhardt, Robert Lipsett, Zaven Melikian, and Donald Weilerstein, among others.
Daniel Stewart, viola
We know him as Maestro of our Santa Cruz Symphony, but Daniel Stewart’s history is impressive. He was the Metropolitan Opera’s assistant conductor, winner of the Conlon Conducting Prize, and guest conductor in Boston, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Houston, and more. He has performed with renowned symphonies as conductor, composer, and violist. As Performing Arts Monterey Bay described it: "Clearly, he’s the real deal…the quality of great music here is almost beyond belief."
Jonah Kim, cello
Jonah Kim is an artist of great charisma and originality whose beauty of tone is immediately distinguishable by its signature sweetness. Born in South Korea, Jonah taught himself to play the cello watching VHS tapes of Pablo Casals. He “dives into the music with courage underpinned by formidable technical prowess, with which he achieves a dazzling performance” (All About the Arts) and has been described as "one of the very finest American cellists" (Art Music Lounge).