A Musical Journey Through Latin America
Un viaje musical por América Latina
A solo piano recital that highlights works by Alberto Ginastera (Argentina), Villa-Lobos (Brazil), and French composer Darius Milhaud’s Brazil-inspired pieces. It also features selections from American composer Frederic Rzewski’s The People United Shall Never Be Defeated, a set of 36 variations based on Sergio Ortega’s Chilean protest song. The performer will briefly introduce each piece, and the recital will last one hour without intermission.
About the Artist
Pianist Pola Baytelman has been acclaimed for her superb artistry: "...A formidable pianist, quite the equal of performances by keyboard wizards who go by last name only: Horowitz, Pollini, Ashkenazy” “...Baytelman has the kind of talent that stamps a personality upon any concert she plays…” Chilean-born pianist Pola Baytelman immerses herself fully in the music she performs. As a Steinway Artist celebrated for her interpretations of Spanish and Latin American repertoire, Baytelman honors each composer’s vision with her flawless technique and luminous articulation.
Since her debut at the age of 17 with the Chilean Symphony Orchestra, Baytelman has performed with numerous orchestras and has toured extensively in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, with performances often broadcast on radio and television. Also, a highly respected educator, Baytelman has taught master classes in mainland China, England, Hong Kong, India, and throughout the US, and has been a sought-after judge for international competitions.
Baytelman studied under renowned pianists Russell Sherman and Nancy Garrett and also worked with Claude Frank and Menahem Pressler. She graduated from the University of Chile’s National Conservatory, and subsequently earned a Master’s degree and an Artist Diploma from the New England Conservatory under a Fulbright Grant. She also holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Texas (Austin). Baytelman is a Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Emerita at Skidmore College, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. where she was honored to present the Moseley Lecture-Recital, the highest distinction awarded by the Skidmore faculty to a colleague.
Baytelman has released records on Élan, Centaur, and Albany Records. Her critically acclaimed recording of Iberia by Isaac Albéniz, was reissued by Élan in 2019 and she collaborated with noted Albéniz scholar Walter Clark for a video documentary about the Spanish composer. Her recording of Schumann’s Humoreske was listed by American Record Guide as one of the top performances of the classic work.
Presented by the Skidmore Department of Music. Made possible by Jean Sterne '32.
Ticketing Info
This event offers two ways to attend: a standard General Admission ticket at $25 plus fees, or Pay-What-You-Will admission for patrons who would like to choose their own price. Paying at the suggested level, or above it when possible, helps support our programming and keeps concerts at Zankel accessible to students, families, and community members. Skidmore students, faculty, and staff can access free or discounted tickets by using the Single Sign On option. Tickets are free for children 18 and under.