PROGRAM REVIEWS
PROGRAM REVIEWS for the individual concerts will be posted here as they become available.
PETER WILEY, cellist & ANNA POLONSKY, pianist, March 26, 2023
On March 26, 2023, the Chamber Music Society of Utica, in our 82nd year, presented two renowned artists, Peter Wiley and Anna Polonsky. Peter Wiley, a native of Utica was warmly welcomed by many of his family members and friends. At age seven, Peter began playing the cello and a friend who attended the concert remembered Peter when he was only eight years. His talent was evident at a very young age.
These performers exceeded all expectations as a dynamic duo. The selected repertoire of Beethoven, Schumann, Barber, Mendelssohn and Franck showed their heartfelt passion, dedication and commitment to making music that was rich in tone, technical mastery and true artistry. At the end of the concert, Peter Wiley commented to his pianist, Anna Polonsky that she played beautifully. Her playing always seemed effortless despite the rigorous demands of the music, as was his playing as well.
To end the program they played an encore of exquisite beauty and tenderness, The Swan by Camille Saint Saens. This was a truly memorable concert!
Special thanks to Marietta von Bernuth and Elizabeth Lemieux for sponsoring jointly this concert!
Anita Humer
Professional pianist, accompanist and piano teacher
Staff pianist at Colgate University
Serves on boards of CMSU, the Leschetizky Piano Organization, NYC
and the Monday Evening Music Club of Norwich NY