Award-winning American pianist Jon Nakamatsu is set to make his fifth appearance at the Bankhead Theater next weekend as part of Del Valle Fine Arts’ 2024-25 concert season.
Nakamatsu, who performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and was gold medalist of the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, has entertained audiences touring year-round with top conductors and orchestras as well as public speaking engagements and concerts at festivals, recitals and chamber collaborations, according to Del Valle Fine Arts board member Denise Leddon.
“Jon Nakamatsu has developed a multi-faceted career that encompasses recording, education, arts administration and public speaking in addition to his vast concert schedule,” Leddon said. “His sublime program will include works by Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Liszt and Chopin.”
Pianist Markus Pawlik added, “I’m looking so much forward to hearing Jon Nakamatsu again on the beautiful Steinway he selected for the Bankhead. And in particular, his performance of the rarely heard, the brilliant Mendelssohn ‘Fantasy’. And did you know that Beethoven was especially proud of his ‘Pastorale Sonata’? No doubt it will be a wonderful evening.”
Free tickets for the concert are available for local youth. Nakamatsu is also due to take part in a complimentary reception after the show to meet with attendees.
The concert is scheduled for next Saturday (Nov. 16) at 7:30 p.m. in the Bankhead in downtown Livermore. For tickets, go to livermorearts.org.
Ticket sales are a primary fundraising source (along with individual donations) for Del Valle Fine Arts, a nonprofit organization that focuses on “bringing world class chamber music to the Tri-Valley area and introducing school children to classical music,” according to its website.