Valentin Kovalev, saxophone
Amy Yang, piano

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2024 - 7:30 PM

American Philosophical Society

Classical saxophonist Valentin Kovalev is one of the leaders of his generation in developing the musical and technical possibilities of the saxophone. For his PCMS debut, the 2023 Musical Fund Society Award winner offers a program that juxtaposes classical works with contemporary music from Spain, Turkey, and Japan.

Program includes works by Schumann, Franck, Debussy, Iturralde, Yoshimatsu, and Say

Experience an evening of groundbreaking musical exploration in the intimate setting of a house salon concert with "A Harmonic Odyssey," featuring award-winning saxophonist Valentin Kovalev and internationally acclaimed accordionist Iwo Jedynecki. This unique collaboration marries the expressiveness of the saxophone, championed by Kovalev as a classical instrument, with Jedynecki's virtuosic mastery over the accordion—a blend rarely encountered in classical music. Iwo Jedynecki, a laureate of over thirty international competitions, brings his profound insights into 19th-century music for piano and harmonium, elevating the accordion's status in classical repertoire. Together, they craft an experience that pushes the boundaries of what these instruments can achieve in a classical setting, promising an unforgettable musical experience. Your attendance will not only celebrate this inventive pairing but also contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of classical music.

Robert Schumann (1810-1856) - Fantasiestücke op. 73 (1849)

I. Zart und mit Ausdruck (Tender and with expression)

II. Lebhaft, leicht (Lively, light)

III. Rasch und mit Feuer (Quick and with fire)

César Franck (1822-1890) - Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano (1886)

I. Allegretto ben moderato

II. Allegro

III. Ben moderato: Recitativo-Fantasia

IV. Allegretto poco mosso 

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) - Prelude to an Afternoon of a Faun (1894)

Pedro Iturralde (1929-2020) - Pequeña Czarda (1959)

Experience an evening of groundbreaking musical exploration in the intimate setting of a house salon concert with "A Harmonic Odyssey," featuring award-winning saxophonist Valentin Kovalev and internationally acclaimed accordionist Iwo Jedynecki. This unique collaboration marries the expressiveness of the saxophone, championed by Kovalev as a classical instrument, with Jedynecki's virtuosic mastery over the accordion—a blend rarely encountered in classical music. Iwo Jedynecki, a laureate of over thirty international competitions, brings his profound insights into 19th-century music for piano and harmonium, elevating the accordion's status in classical repertoire. Together, they craft an experience that pushes the boundaries of what these instruments can achieve in a classical setting, promising an unforgettable musical experience. Your attendance will not only celebrate this inventive pairing but also contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of classical music.

Join us for a community recital that promises an unparalleled musical experience, featuring saxophonist Valentin Kovalev and renowned pianist Hanchien Lee. As artists celebrated for their mastery and dedication to classical music, Kovalev and Lee unite to bring a captivating program that elevates the traditional repertoire associated with their respective instruments.

Hanchien Lee is a pianist of extraordinary depth and versatility. Since her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of sixteen, she has amassed an impressive list of accolades and international performances, including recitals at Steinway Hall, Academy of Music, and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. She has garnered top prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Russel C. Wonderlic Piano Competition and has dazzled audiences as a chamber musician at esteemed festivals like Sarasota and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. An alumnus of the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale University, and the Peabody Conservatory, she brings a nuanced understanding and exquisite interpretative skills to every piece she performs. Her extensive educational background under eminent pianists like Claude Frank, Boris Slutsky, and Richard Goode lends an unparalleled depth to her artistry.

### Program:

- J.S. Bach - Prelude from Cello Suite no. 1

- Clara Schumann - Romance no. 1, op. 22

- Robert Schumann - Fantasiestücke, op. 73

- Sergei Rachmaninov - Sonata for Cello and Piano, 3rd movement, op. 19

- Claude Debussy - Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, op. 86

- François Borne - Fantasie Brillante on Themes from Bizet’s Carmen

This unique program promises to offer a new perspective on these cherished works, each carefully selected to showcase the full range and expressive capabilities of the saxophone and piano. We are delighted to bring this special performance to our community, and we invite you to partake in an evening that bridges tradition and innovation in classical music.