Sitting in stunned silence, concert-goers held their breath as they waited in eager anticipation to hear where Shai Wosner would take them next.
World-renowned Israeli pianist Wosner performed his famous solo repertoire for a full crowd Feb. 7 in the historic Grace Presbyterian Church , as one of the last events of Off the Hook Arts’ WinterFest 2020.
With his professionalism and passion for piano, Wosner took the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions with his playing, body movements and facial expressions. A hunch over the piano for anger and intensity; a lean away for quiet and calm; and a raised finger with a pause for playful patience.
Wosner’s talent comes as no surprise, as he attended The Juilliard School, has a plethora of classical awards and honors, plays all over the world and records for Onyx Classics.
Opening with WinterFest’s star composer, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in D Major, Op. 28, Wosner teased the audience with many moments of silence before jumping back into the action of four movements. He also performed Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata in d minor, K. 141, Sonata in c minor, K. 230 and Sonata in d minor, K. 9; Frederic Rzewski’s Nano Sonata No. 12, No. 36 and No. 38; Toru Takemitsu’s Rain Tree Sketch II; and finished with another four-movement piece, Franz Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960.
Ending the night with a reception sponsored by Sayanni Catering, Wosner’s performance will remain a WinterFest highlight for years to come.
WinterFest only has three concerts left, including the return of Wosner alongside some friends Feb. 10, and the Brentano String Quartet’s performances in Boulder Feb. 8 and Loveland Feb. 9. Purchase tickets on the events page to experience a night of community bonding and breathtaking classical music.