On August 22, my HSO colleague Hunter Thomas and I performed for a collaborative concert of the Huntsville Chamber Winds and the Chamber Chorale of the Huntsville Community Chorus held at First Baptist Church. On the program were several choral selections, led by Billy Orton, HCC Music Director. David Ragsdale, director of Bands at UAHuntsville (pictured at left) conducted wind chamber music by Strauss and Mozart. Also an accomplished saxophone player, Dave played with the HSO last October on one of Carlos Prieto’s cello concerti.
The highlight of the evening was a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue Gershwin’s jazzy virtuoso vehicle, accompanied by wind ensemble. With this performance, newly appointed piano professor at UAHuntsville Sarkis Baltaian (pictured at right) introduced himself to the Huntsville concert-going public. And a warm welcome he received—before the final note died away, members of the near-capacity audience leapt spontaneously to their feet with shouts of approval.
Baltaian is a friendly teddy bear of a man, and his warmth and magnetism are evident from the moment he walks on stage. At all times, he was a master of Gershwin’s technical and stylistic challenges. Quite simply, his is the kind of playing that transcends the score. This pianist definitely has something to say. Do not miss the opportunity to hear him soon.