Falling for Romance

Paragon Philharmonia String Quartet

with Thomas Pandolfi, piano

Pedro Giraudo - A Octavio Brunetti (world premiere of piano quintet arrangement)

Dvorak - Piano Quintet in A Major

Thomas Pandolfi's appearance is graciously sponsored by Linda and Wayne Sharp.

Virtuoso pianist Thomas Pandolfi has long been a favorite soloist in the DC metro area and beyond. He joins Paragon Philharmonia's String Quartet to present a concert of new and classic works of the piano quintet repertoire.

Latin GRAMMY Award winner bassist and composer Pedro Giraudo is among the most compelling tango artists today. A Octavio Brunetti, originally written for violin, bandoneón, piano & bass, is is a song of friendship dedicated to pianist Octavio Brunetti  (1975 – 2014). Both Brunetti and Giraudo were beer enthusiasts, and during one of their many tours of Japan, they came up with a ditty with the Japanese lyrics “Biru No-mou-ze,” which means “let’s have a beer!” They would play or whistle the motive after a long day of rehearsals. When Giraudo embarked upon writing a piece for his dear friend Brunetti, he remembered the motive, and constructed a full tango borne of levity but bedazzled with bleaker harmonies. The whole piece is based on that theme and idea.

Antonin Dvorak's second piano quintet is considered one of the most iconic works in the repertoire, with soaring lyricism and scintillating virtuosity. In his own musical language, Dvorak incorporates aspects of Czech folk music, including the dance forms of the Dumka and Furiant interpreted in a romantic style.

This concert will feature a special performance of "Paragon Preludes" at 4:30 p.m. Come early to find your seats and enjoy performances by talented students from the Community Music School of the Piedmont.

Please join the musicians of Paragon Philharmonia for hors d'oeuvres and drinks following the performance!

Tickets may also be purchased with check. Please Include title of concert in memo line. Mail to:

Paragon Philharmonia

c/o Stephanie Flack

3437 Austin Ct.

Alexandria, VA 22310