PIANO RECITAL
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 125 TH ANNIVERSARY OF TXST
proudly presents a special MAY 12, 2024 | STEINWAY HALL | NEW YORK
MARTIN KESUMA
A native of Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr. Martin Kesuma is an award-winning pianist praised for his “heartfelt flexibility and harmonic sensitivity” (Fanfare Magazine) and “clearly articulated playing of the highest order” (The Art Music Lounge). He has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Prior to his recent move back to Texas, Martin worked at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, as a collaborative pianist and a chamber music instructor.
He has been recognized with major prizes in competitions including the San Jose International Piano Competition, Vancouver International Music Competition, PianoHouse International Piano Competition, Betty Dickinson Piano Competition, New York International Music Concours, Canadian International Music Competition, ASEAN International Concerto Competition, Petroff College Level Piano Competition, and Texas State International Piano Festival Concerto Competition. His debut album, “Detours,” was released in 2021 by Centaur Records to critical acclaim.
Martin’s concerto appearances include performances with Orkes Simfoni Nasional Indonesia (The National Symphony Orchestra of Indonesia), Central Texas Philharmonic, Round Rock Symphony, Density512 Orchestra, University of Texas-University Orchestra, and Texas State Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has appeared for interviews and performances on the National Public Radio, KUTX (Austin), Texas Public Radio (San Antonio), and K-Radio (New York).
Martin earned his degrees in Piano Performance from Texas State University (BM), University of Texas at Austin (MM and DMA), and Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music (Artist Diploma Program). While at UT Austin, Martin also worked as the UT Piano Project coordinator, class piano instructor, and private lesson instructor. His principal teachers include Washington Garcia, Jason Kwak, Anton Nel, and James Anagnoson.
NAOMI WONG
Toronto-born pianist, Naomi Wong, is emerging as a compelling musical orator whose sincere and thoughtful artistry places human connection at the forefront of her performances.
Recipient of the Hnatyshyn Foundation’s Developing Artist Grant, awarded to promising young Canadian artists, Naomi is active as both a solo and concerto performer. She made her concerto debut in 2017 with the North York Concert Orchestra and has collaborated in recent years with the York Symphony Orchestra, University of Toronto Campus Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, among others. In the solo realm, Naomi cherishes the opportunity to interact with and introduce lesser-known repertoire to her audiences. She has appeared in various concert series throughout Toronto, including the Nine Sparrow Arts Foundation Lunchtime Chamber series, the Arts & Letters Club in Toronto, and the Fridays at Noon Series at St. Andrew’s Church. As the winner of the 2023 Betty Dickinson Competition at the Texas State International Piano Festival, she will present solo recitals at Steinway Hall in New York City, the Blanco Performing Arts Series, and the Austin Steinway Gallery this season.
Passionate about her community, Naomi enjoys presenting outreach concerts at hospitals, retirement centers, and long-term care homes. During the pandemic, she worked with the Creative Connection Initiative and Freiheit Care Inc. to use music to connect isolated individuals in homes throughout Canada.
Naomi has been extremely privileged to have learned from many inspiring pianists and pedagogues in a variety of settings. She began her piano studies at age six and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Piano Performance on full scholarship at the Peabody Institute. She is greatly indebted to her current teacher, HieYon Choi, as well as her former teachers: Steven Philcox and Dr. Enrico Elisi at the University of Toronto, Ken Marple at the University Settlement Music & Arts School, and Rachel Yu, all of whom have inspired her passion for music and have guided her to discover her artistic voice. In recent summers, she has also participated in festivals throughout North America and Europe, where she has worked with artists such as Michelle Cann, Jerome Lowenthal, Benedetto Lupo, John O’Conor and Boris Slutsky.
Her transformative experience with her current and past mentors has inspired her to work with younger students as a private piano teacher. She endeavors to help all students, regardless of their natural musical aptitude, connect to music on a human level.
PROGRAM
Selections from 24 Preludes for Piano, Op. 41 Lera Auerbach (b. 1973)
i. Moderato
iv. Appassionato – Nostalgico
viii. Presto
x. Largo
Prelude & Fugue in C-sharp minor, BWV 849, WTC I J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Selections from 24 Preludes for Piano, Op. 41 Lera Auerbach
xvi. Allegro ma non troppo, tragico
xvii. Adagio tragico
xviii. Grave
xix. Adagio religioso
NAOMI WONG ,
piano
INTERMISSION
Detours Wayne Oquin (b. 1977)
Allegro de concierto in C-sharp Major, Op. 46 Enrique Granados (1867-1916)