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BEYOND CATEGORY: Pianist Lara Downes and the Musical Art Quintet
"Classical music is sexy again" -East Bay Express
"A unique blend of musicianship and showmanship" -NPR
Pianist Lara Downes and the Musical Art Quintet represent the musical range and charismatic flair that defines the future of classical music.
Downes has attracted a wide following as one of the most exciting and communicative pianists of today's generation, praised by the Washington Post for her stunning performances "rendered with drama and nuance". Her innovative explorations of the piano repertoire - from iconic favorites to newly commissioned works - bridge musical genres, traditions and audiences. Born in San Francisco of Caribbean and Russian heritage, Downes made early debuts at the Queen Elizabeth Hall London, the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Salle Gaveau Paris. She has appeared on the world's greatest concert stages, winning over audiences at diverse venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Le Poisson Rouge, the Kennedy Center to Classical Revolution. She is heard regularly on national radio programs, including NPR Music, MPR's Performance Today, WNYC's New Sounds, and WFMT's Impromptu.
Downes' solo recordings have met with tremendous critical and popular acclaim. Her newest release, "A Billie Holiday Songbook" debuted at #11 on the Billboard Chart and has been called "simply shimmering, stunning music" by the jazz press.
The Musical Art Quintet was formed in 2008 in the Mission district of San Francisco during chamber music jam sessions every Sunday night at Cafe Revolution. The name of the quintet is taken from The Musical Art Quartet, a string quartet formed in the 1920's and led by the Great-Grandfather and namesake of the bassist and composer of the quintet, Sascha Jacobsen. Although classically trained, the members of The Musical Art Quintet are skilled improvisors and each one brings with him a special area of expertise. Whether it is Jazz, Argentine Tango, Afro-Cuban Son, or Klezmer, the Quintet is at home.
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LocationThe Emerald Tablet (View)
80 Fresno Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
United States
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