By Eileen Wingard
LA JOLLA, California — Once again, July Galper is the local empresario bringing two outstanding young Israeli musicians to perform in San Diego, Tal First, violin and Ilya Laskin, piano. Their program will take place in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth El in La Jolla on Sunday evening, March 10, 7:00 p.m.
They will be playing some of the most challenging and beautiful pieces in the repertoire, opening with Nigun from the Baal Shem Suite by Ernest Bloch, continuing with the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, the Spanish composer, Albeniz’ Tirana, Paganini’s Caprice No. 2, and concluding with Franck’s Sonata in A Major.
Both artists began their music lessons at the age of six. Both are currently students at the famed Juilliard School in New York City.
As an undergraduate, Tal has already soloed with the Galilee Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Sinfonia of Hope and the Thelma Yellin Symphony Orchestra. He was a student at the Thelma Yellin School of the Arts before coming to Juilliard. He also plays in the Divan Orchestra, conducted by the great maestro and pianist, Daniel Barenboim. The highly accomplished violinist has been a scholarship recipient of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation since 2011.
Ilya Laskin earned his bachelors degree from the Tel Aviv University, studying piano performance. He will be receiving his masters degree from Juilliard this Spring. He has participated in festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival, and the Tel-Hai Piano Festival. He, too, has been supported by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation.
July Galper has been bringing outstanding young Israeli artists to San Diego for many years. Among those she has introduced at the early stages of their careers is Avi Avital, who has risen to become one of the greatest mandolin players of the world. His recent solo appearance with the San Diego Symphony confirmed his celebrity status.
Others, like Asi Mathatias, violinist, and Victor Stanislavsky, pianist, have returned to play under the auspices of other presenters, such as the Athenaeum and the Salk Institute.
Tickets for the event are $50, which includes a gourmet reception and an opportunity to chat with the artists.
Checks, made out to America Israel Cultural Foundation, should be sent to : July Galper, 1619 Caminito Barlovento, La Jolla CA 92037. For questions,619-823-9208.
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Wingard, a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony, is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com