Soirees Musicales’ Ciao Pagano tops list of great pianists

By Burt Saidel

Youth must be served!  There is such joy in seeing and hearing our youth, Muse Machine, Wright State Theatre and the many gifted artists who visit our arts venues. I have written that nothing can replace the effervescence of youth.  I guess I forgot how thrilling a sensitive and mature great artist can be.

Don Hageman’s Soirées Musicales is an honor roll of great pianists. World renowned artists come to Dayton at his invitation. This is a tribute to Don’s reputation and to the appreciative and knowledgeable audience he has developed over nearly four decades.

Impresario Don’s guests are a mix of budding artists and returning favorites.  While I don’t have the 38 year history before me, I believe that Brazilian pianist and piano pedagogue Ciao Pagano leads the list for return engagements.  

I have reviewed his recitals seven times. I heard him before I became your arts columnist.  His reviews tax my supply of superlatives. Caio is a true virtuoso. He is a lover of his art, of literature, of humanity. He pours his prodigious talents into performing, teaching and writing.  In all of his endeavors, he is outstanding.

Now, I must mention that while he is not old, he is no longer a fresh-faced youth.  In fact, that period passed some time ago. Now, this consummate artist performs from a deep well of experience and a vast expanse of sensitivity and love of the music.

The recital began with a most engaging work.  Bach’s organ preludes are often drowned in the overtone voices of the great organs. I admit I am not a fan of “full blast” organ music.  I often am chastised for that lapse in my personal taste by dear
friends and colleagues who are devoted to the fullness of the organ’s sound.  

Pagano played a transcription of Bach’s Organ Prelude in G minor by Siloti.  The transcription and Pagano’s artistry distilled the organ sound into something pure and clear.  The long organ trills took on a life under the flying fingers and sensitive touch of this master of the piano.

The recital included Schumann’s popular Kinderscenen and Franck’s Prelude, Choral and Fugue.  I have heard Pagano, and many others play the Schumann charming collection of piano songs before.  Again, there was an understanding and depth of feeling which reflects the mature artist revisiting an old friend.  The Franck work is full of piano wizardry.  The subtle repeats of the fugue are enthralling, particularly when played in such a beguiling manner.  

The final work on the program was a most interesting study.  Brahms remains one of the greatest composers.  His magic spreads into all forms of music.  The piano sonatas, particularly the later ones, are timeless and compelling.  

Pagano chose a very early work, Opus 5, written when Brahms was only 20.  It was the work of youth, somewhat brash, often imposing.  Pagano’s understanding touch gave it new life.

The standing and cheering audience demanded an encore.  Pagano responded with a smile and an example of speed, brilliance and great musicality.  He played Weber’s Perpetual Motion. It was, as the title implied – perpetual motion.

Dayton Playhouse

Dayton Playhouse has become a major focus for regional theater excitement.  Under the leadership of Adam Leigh, it emerged, Phoenix-like, from near failure to brilliance.  The many programs offered nearly boggle the mind.

Leigh resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.  The search for a replacement began.  It was felt that Adam was irreplaceable.  Good fortune provided another “irreplaceable” talent to lead The Playhouse even further.

Amy Brown is an effervescent and attractive young woman.  She is a theater lover, having participated in nearly every form since grade school.  Her positive nature and easily discerned enthusiasm promises a yet expanding horizon for Dayton Playhouse.

Her plans are to continue many of the initiatives in place.  As she prepares for the 50th Anniversary of the theater, she wants to preserve the main stage program and modify the many additional productions which tax the limited means of the playhouse.

Her plans are not to cut but to adjust the large palette of theater experiences presented by these gifted and devoted actors and stagehands.  Another important goal is to increase visibility, participation and donated income.  She hopes, as well, to create a new relationship with the City of Dayton, the founding sponsor of the organization.

Her goals are not modest, but attainable.  Dayton’s rich arts’ schedule is a gift to the entire community.  Amy wants the entire community to know about Dayton Playhouse’s part in it and to enjoy it.  

Best wishes for the Holidays

As you read this, we will all be in the final stages of holiday preparation.  I add one more touch to you, my dear readers.  May you have a Happy Chanukah, very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.  I’ll even throw in a fervent wish for peace on earth and understanding among men.

Nutcracker plays at Schuster

Presented by Kettering Health Network and Vectren, Dayton Ballet’s timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker returns to the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center for ten performances, December 14 – 23, 2007.  

Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music and choreography by Karen Russo and Dermot Burke, The Nutcracker has become an irreplaceable tradition for families across the Miami Valley.  The holidays would not be the same without the beloved classic full of magic and fantasy—truly an adventure for the young at heart.  

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, The Nutcracker features the late local philanthropist, Virginia Kettering (Jinny) as a young girl dreaming about her Uncle Drosselmeyer’s handsome gift, a nutcracker.  Jinny is joined onstage by an amazing group of characters – tiny white mice, adorable marching soldiers, a Chinese quartet, shepherds and their comical lambs, the Snow King and Queen and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.  

Members of the Dayton Ballet II Senior and Junior companies, as well as over 80 children from all over the Miami Valley, will take part in this year’s performances.

T & C Fine Art Center seeking new members

The Town and Country Fine Art Center inside the Town and Country Shopping Center at 300 E Stroop Rd is now accepting applications for new members.

Membership is $105 per month plus 15 percent commission and an obligation to volunteer to staff the Center approximately 11 hours per month. If interested please contact membership chair Karen Benedetti at 435-0504 or karenbenedetti@woh.rr.com

The T & C Fine Art Center is also looking for volunteers who love art to donate their time and energy! Volunteers would be asked to staff the Center (retail art space) or fulfill other duties. If interested please contact Rosie Huart at rehuart@aol.com or 256-6050.

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December 18, 2007
Volume 16, No. 51

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