Orrett Rhoden- CONTRIBUTED
ORRETT RHODEN, internationally acclaimed Jamaican pianist, is one of two soloists to be featured with the New England Symphonic Ensemble at a benefit performance on April 2. Rhoden, who will be making his New York orchestral debut, is the first Jamaican classical pianist to play at the famed Carnegie Hall. All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Maxfield Park Children's Home in Kingston, Jamaica, and AIDS Children in Zimbabwe.
The programme will feature soloists Rhoden and Mark di Pinto on piano with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, under the baton of Conductor Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, and the Pro Arts International Choir, led by Francisco de Araujo.
CLASSICAL MUSIC TREAT
American pianist Mark di Pinto will open the programme with Bloch's Concerto Grosso for Strings and Piano in D (Prelude and Fugue) to be followed by the Jamaican virtuoso Rhoden who will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major, K488 and Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, Op. 22 by Chopin.
Classical music enthusiasts and music lovers in general will be in for a treat as the programme also features Rittenhouse's Original African and Jamaican Folk Songs Collected and Transcribed by Rittenhouse and sung by the Pro Arts International Choir. The programme closes with Rittenhouse's African Suite for Two Pianos and Orchestra World Premiere.
Rhoden is delighted to return to Carnegie Hall following his performance debut in 1985 and recital in 2003. He is pleased that through his art he is able to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. "Jamaica is not just for reggae. It's for all types of music. I see my role as bringing classical music in a fresh and unique way, not only to Jamaicans but to people all over the world. An artist's mission is to bring about joy and peace. I think that my mission is to do just that," said Rhoden.
CAREER HIGH POINT
One of the high points of Rhoden's career was his meeting Artur Rubenstein. He played Chopin for the great master who declared unreservedly, "You have a rare talent. Some pianists are not musicians, and some musicians are not pianists, but you, young man, are both." He subsequently received a coveted invitation to perform at an all-Chopin recital in the composer's birthplace in Zelazowa Wola, Poland in 1985. Rhoden has studied with noted composer Dr. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse; Rosalyn Tureck, one of the world's greatest Bach
interpreters, and Russian Nina Svettanova.
Tickets for the performance can be purchased at www.carnegiehall.org.
