MASTER­SERIES

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

In the intimacy of the Lobero, enjoy solo and chamber brilliance: pianist Louis Lortie in an all-Ravel recital; Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven, Corigliano, and Schumann; the Venice Baroque Orchestra brings A Duel of Bows for Carnivale; and the Sphinx Virtuosi with violinist Randall Goosby perform Visions of Peace.

Emanuel Ax, piano. Photo by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco.

EMANUEL AX

Piano Recital

★ Musical America’s 2026 Artist of the Year ★

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®-winning pianist Emanuel Ax returns to Masterseries with a fascinating program centered on the theme of fantasy. A champion of both the core repertoire and new music, Ax showcases the depth and warmth that have made him one of the most beloved artists of our time.

“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

Reproduction of the Presumed Portrait of Antonio Vivaldi (c.1723) and Venetian mask.

VENICE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

Paolo Tagliamento, violin soloist
Giacomo Catana, orchestra leader

A VENETIAN DUEL OF BOWS – In Celebration of Carnivale

(Venetian masks and cloaks encouraged!)

PROGRAM

VIVALDI: Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 8, No. 5, RV 253, “La tempesta di mare,” for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

VERACINI: Sonata No. 12 in D Minor, Op. 2, No. 12, for violin and basso continuo

TARTINI: Concerto in A Major, D. 96, for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

LOCATELLI: Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 3, No. 2, from L’arte del violino, for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

VIVALDI: Concerto in G Minor for strings and basso continuo, RV 157

VIVALDI: Concerto in D Major, RV 208, “Il Grosso Mogul,” for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

Celebrate Venice’s glittering Carnivale with the Venice Baroque Orchestra and violinist Paolo Tagliamento. Their spirited program, A Venetian Duel of Bows, rekindles the rivalry and virtuosity of 18th-century masters—Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini and Locatelli—transporting you to a world of fiery cadenzas, shimmering strings and dazzling showpieces.
 
Venetian masks and cloaks are welcome for this enchanted evening!
Co-Sponsors

Anonymous

Meg & Dan Burnham

Mahri Kerley

Concert Partner

Lynn P. Kirst

The Sphinx Virtuosi (photo © Scott Jackson) and Randall Goosby (photo © Kaupo Kikkas).

SPHINX VIRTUOSI

Randall Goosby, violin

Visions of Peace

PROGRAM

JOSÉ LAFITTE: La Bella Cubana

CLARICE ASSAD: Perpetual Motion • 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 self-conducted Sphinx Virtuosi—18 outstanding Black and Latinx string players—return with Visions of Peace. Joined by rising-star violinist Randall Goosby, the ensemble weaves a powerful narrative of resilience and shared humanity through works spanning Afro-Cuban salon music, Brazilian rhythms, contemporary American voices and Prokofiev’s wartime intensity. The Washington Post hails their playing for its “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty.”

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION
with members of the SPHINX VIRTUOSI
MARCH 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Two members of the Sphinx Virtuosi will lead a free educational event the day after the concert. Venue to be announced. Visit camasb.org for updates.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS

Marta Holsman Babson

& Bitsy Becton Bacon

As of September 30, 2025

Past Concerts Banner
Maurice Ravel. Louis Lortie, piano. Photo by Elias Photography.

LOUIS LORTIE

Piano Recital
All-Ravel Program

MAURICE RAVEL:

Pavane pour une infante défunte

Sonatine

Gaspard de la nuit

Jeux d’eau

Valses nobles et sentimentales

La valse

Canadian master pianist Louis Lortie brings an all-Ravel recital to the intimate Lobero Theatre. From the shimmering Pavane to the swirling ecstasy of La valse, Lortie’s “exquisite touch and poetic insight” (The Guardian) reveal the full spectrum of Ravel’s imagination in a single unforgettable evening.
Sponsor

Robert Castle

Co-Sponsor

Edward S. DeLoreto

Concert Partners

Maureen & Les Shapiro