MASTERSERIES 2025‑2026
at the Lobero Theatre
Season Sponsor: Esperia Foundation
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Additional Support from The Lobero’s John C. Mithun Foundation Community Access Fund |
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025, 7:30PM
LOUIS LORTIE
piano
RAVEL at 150
All-Ravel program, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth
Pavane pour une infante défunte
Sonatine
Gaspard de la nuit (Trois poèmes d'après Aloysius Bertrand), M. 55
Jeux d'eau
Valses nobles et sentimentales
La valse
Acclaimed Canadian pianist Louis Lortie graces the Lobero stage with a captivating all-Ravel program. Known for his exquisite touch, profound musicality, and insightful interpretations, Lortie is a master of the French repertoire. This intimate recital offers a journey through the evocative sound world of Maurice Ravel, from the delicate beauty of Pavane pour une infante défunte and the sparkling virtuosity of Jeux d'eau to the haunting imagery of Gaspard de la nuit and the swirling intensity of La valse. Experience the full range of Ravel's genius, from impressionistic landscapes to dazzling displays of pianistic brilliance, in this unforgettable evening of solo piano music.
Sponsor:
Robert Castle
Co-Sponsors:
Edward S. DeLoreto
Concert Partners:
Maureen & Les Shapiro
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026, 7:30PM
EMANUEL AX
piano
FANTASIES
PROGRAM:
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1, "Quasi una fantasia" (1800–01)
CORIGLIANO: Fantasia on an Ostinato (1985)
BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight" (1801)
SCHUMANN: Arabeske in C Major, Op. 18 (1839)
SCHUMANN: Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17 (1836–38)
Seven-time Grammy® Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax, renowned for his poetic lyricism and brilliant technique, returns to Masterseries with a fascinating program centered on the theme of Fantasies. It features two of Beethoven's famous Op. 27 sonatas (including the Moonlight), Schumann's beloved Arabeske and grand Fantasie, and a contemporary reflection on Beethoven by John Corigliano. A Juilliard-trained pianist who launched his international career with a victory at the First Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 1974, Ax received the Avery Fisher Prize in 1979. He is also a dedicated chamber musician, frequent collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma, and a champion of contemporary composers. His extensive discography spans from the Classical era to the present day, reflecting a broad and deep engagement with the piano repertoire.
"What is striking about Mr. Ax's playing is not its beauty, considerable though that is, but its determined honesty."
–Bernard Holland, The New York Times
Sponsor:
Robert Castle
Co-Sponsors:
Beth Gates Warren & Bob Boghosian
Nancy & Byron K. Wood
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026, 7:30PM
VENICE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
GIANPIERO ZANOCCO,
conductor & violin
PROGRAM:
Duello d'archi a Venezia
(A Venetian Duel of Bows)
In Celebration of Venetian Carnivale!
Venetian Masks and Cloaks Encouraged!
VIVALDI: Concerto for Strings in G Minor, RV 157
VIVALDI: Concerto in E Minor, Il Favorito, RV 277
VERACINI: Sonata in G Minor, No. 1, Op. 1
TARTINI: Concerto in A Major, D 96
LOCATELLI: Concerto in C Minor from L'Arte dell'Arco
LOCATELLI: Introduzione Teatrale in G Major
VIVALDI: Concerto in D Major, Il Grosso Mogul, RV 208
Celebrate Carnivale with the Venice Baroque Orchestra, led by violinist Gianpiero Zanocco. This program, titled A Venetian Duel of Bows, transports audiences to 18th-century Venice, showcasing the virtuosity and rivalry of the city's great violinists. The program features concertos and sonatas by Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini, and Locatelli, highlighting the dazzling technical displays and expressive melodies that characterized the Venetian Baroque style. Zanocco, who has been a member of the Venice Baroque Orchestra since 2003 and currently serves as its First Violin Shoulder, brings a deep understanding of the Venetian Baroque tradition and a remarkable technical command to this performance. This concert promises to be a vibrant and spirited celebration of Venetian musical heritage and of Venice's Carnivale—with Venetian masks encouraged!
Co-Sponsors:
Anonymous
Meg & Dan Burnham
Mahri Kerley
Concert Partner:
Lynn P. Kirst
Sphinx Virtuosi
© Scott Jackson
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026, 7:30PM (Concert)
SPHINX VIRTUOSI
RANDALL GOOSBY
violin
PROGRAM: Visions of Peace
JOSÉ LAFITTE: La Bella Cubana
CLARICE ASSAD: Perpetual Motion
ASSAD: Dança Brasileira
JESSIE MONTGOMERY: New Commission TBA
WILLIAM GRANT STILL: Suite for Violin in G Major (1943)
QUENTON BLACHE: A Vision for Peace
PROKOFIEV, arr. RUBÉN RENGEL: Sonata No. 7, "Stalingrad"
GINASTERA: Concerto for Strings, Op. 33, IV. Finale
MANUEL PONCE: Estrellita
The Sphinx Virtuosi, a dynamic self-conducted chamber orchestra comprised of 18 accomplished Black and Latinx artists, returns to CAMA with a program titled Visions of Peace. Featuring acclaimed violinist Randall Goosby, the concert explores themes of resilience, peace, and shared humanity through a diverse range of musical voices. The Sphinx Virtuosi are celebrated for their "immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty" (The Washington Post) and their commitment to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.
"With his secure technique, natural phrasing, gorgeous tone and smart programming, Randall Goosby has everything it takes."
–NPR
Exclusive Sponsors:
Marta Holsman Babson & Bitsy Becton Bacon
