Twenty fingers and 88 keys add up to a fine evening of duets

Reviewed by Lee Shepherd

What could be more entertaining than an evening of parlor music played in one of the most gorgeous parlors in the Southern Tier – the Kilmer Mansion attached to Temple Concord – by two of the best pianists in Central and Southern New York.
Pej Reitz, a faculty member at Binghamton University, and Ida Tili Trebicka, who teaches at Syracuse University, swayed in unison on the piano bench, as they performed a sonata by Mozart, waltzes by Brahms, Norwegian dances by Grieg, Spanish dances by Moritz Moszkowski and a chaser of Gershwin songs from Porgy and Bess.

‘Alto on the Loose’ heats up Firehouse Stage

 Reviewed by David L. Schriber

What do you call an alto who can sing (not just “hit” but really sing) a high C, yet also can visit notes in the baritone range? Answer:  Hilerie Klein-Rensi. She is well known as a local classical soloist but is equally at home with musical theater, as her cabaret routine “Alto on the Loose” proved convincingly Sunday (Dec. 5) at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage in Johnson City.

Were you art-full this past week?

If the arts were part of your week and/or weekend, please tell us what you did and whether you liked it.

Song of Silk showcases Chinese performing arts

Reviewed by David L. Schriber

About 800 persons were treated to a variety of Chinese performing arts Saturday (Nov. 6) at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center. Faculty from BU and from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts, plus the Melody of Dragon Chinese instrumental ensemble from New York City and the Amber Dance Troupe from Cornell University, presented a variety of Chinese music, dance and folk opera.

Were you art-full this week?

Did spring break mean a break in your arts appreciation this past week and weekend, or were you out and about, enjoying music, theater, gallery shows, readings, etc.? Please share your reflections.