KMFA is out and about on the Austin classical-music scene…. this particular event was the recital with Anne Akiko Meyers and Anton Nel, last Sunday, Feb. 7, presented by The Jessen Series of Faculty Artists — The University of Texas at Austin, Butler School of Music — at the Bates Recital Hall

(posted by Dianne Donovan, KMFA host and producer of KMFA’s Classical Austin)

It was a much anticipated event: violinist Anne Akiko Meyers’ first recital here since joining the faculty of the Butler School of Music at UT. She performed with piano-great Anton Nel (also part of the Butler Music School faculty).

In a varied and somewhat daring program that included Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 5 (The Spring),  sandwiched between pieces by Alfred Schnittke (Suite in the Old Style and Stille Nacht) in the first half of the program, and a new work for electronics and violin by Jakub Ciupinski in the second half. Ms. Meyers proved why she has earned the title of “trailblazing violinist.” She is comfortable in many styles and sonic textures and is always reaching and growing. To cap the afternoon we were treated to lovely readings of the American standards, Autumn in New York (Vernon Duke) and Summertime (George Gershwin) — the former uncannily reminiscent of that hero fiddler of the Hot Club of France, Stéphane Grappelli.

The pairing with pianist Anton Nel was brilliant. They have a beautiful rapport.  I was reminded of how lucky we all are to have such great artists right here in Central Texas. We’ll look forward to this pairing again soon!

~ posted by Dianne Donovan, KMFA host and producer  🙂