The Artists of the Adams Series in Auburn, 2001 to present
Since the Contiguglia brothers' inaugural concert on October 20, 2001 at East Middle School, Auburn has been privileged to host some of the world's most talented pianists. They have all shared a passion, commitment and grace that is an inspiration.
Ann Schein, James Tocco, Jon Nakamatsu, Robert DeGaetano, Ursula Oppens, Richard and John Contiguglia, Ian Hobson, Jeanne Stark-Iochman, Steven Mayer
May 4, 2002: Robert DeGaetano gave a monumental performance, which included his original compositions. The soaring "Challenger Suite" ws a moving and inspiring tribute to the Apollo astronauts who had lost their lives. Robert DeGaetano will return to Auburn on April 29, 2007 for the Sixth Adams Foundation Series.
March 2, 2003: Listening to the piano at the hands of Ian Hobson was a thing of marvel. His all Chopin program, the first to be held in Westminster's sanctuary, mesmerized the audience.
March 30, 2003: Ruth Laredo's "Spanish Sizzlers" program brimmed with life and joy. The audience was engaged with her insightful commentary and treated to one of the last opportunities to see this wonderful woman and artist on stage. Ms. Laredo passed away in 2005.
March 28, 2004: With a swinging exploration of American composers from Jelly Roll Morton to Art Tatum, Steven Mayer had toes tapping.
April 25, 2004: Jon Nakamatsu displayed the form that vaulted him to the world stage. It is hard to imagine a finer combination of intensity and flair.
March 6, 2005: Ann Schein revisited Chopin, highlighted by a series of Preludes that were monumental in their breadth of tone and emotion.
April 10, 2005: James Tocco's rich and varied program was a treat for all. His astonishing solo performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" will long be remembered.
October 16, 2005: A sold out crowd of 500 packed the sanctuary to hear native sons John and Richard Contiguglia perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Op. 125 on two pianos.
April 2, 2006: Jeanne Stark-Iochman received standing ovations for her magnificent renditions of Mozart, Chopin, and Debussy.
October 15, 2006: Ursula Oppens included a variation on Yiddish folk songs by Frederic Rweski in her repertoire to a delighted audience.
April 29, 2007: Robert DeGaetano treated the audience to his own original compositions as well as favorites by Brahms and Chopin.
October 19 , 2008: Joseph Kalichstein's energetic renditions of works by Bach and Brahms, including Two Hungarian Dances, brought the audience to several standing ovations.
April 20, 2008: An audience of 300 came from all over central and western New York to hear Jon Nakamatsu's encore performance in Auburn, where he played works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin.
