By Linda Stamato
Playing as one, the husband-and-wife team of violinist Mialtin Zhezha and pianist Naoko Zhezha enthralled the audience Saturday at the Abendmusik series in the Morristown United Methodist Church.
The program consisted of five pieces, starting with the Violin Sonata in G minor, Devils Trill, by Giuseppe Tartini, and moving to Robert Schumann’s four fairy tales, Marchenbilder for Viola and Piano, Op. 113—Nicht schnel, Lebhaft, Rasch and Langsam mit melancolishe Austruck.
That final tale, composed at the end of Schumann’s life, sounds like a farewell song.
Video: The Zhezhas perform Schumann
Following a brief intermission, it was Wiltold Lutoslawski’s Subito for Violin and Piano, which was precisely that: Quick, sudden, immediate.
Clara Schumann, Robert’s talented wife, who returned to writing following his death, composed the next piece, Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22, Andante Molto, Allegretto and Leidenschaflich schnell. From a gentle stirring, it progressively grew more lilting and expressive.
The program continued with Piotr Tchikovsky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher for Violin and Piano, Op. 43, Scherzo and Melodie, moved to the Introduction et Tarantelle for Violin and Piano, by Pablo de Sarasate and concluded with Antonio Bazinni’s La Ronde De Lutins.
Video: The Zhezhas perform de Sarasate:
Born in Albania, Mialtin Zhezha made his orchestral debut in Tirana, at age 13. His performances have taken him across three continents, according to the program notes. Morristown now can be added to a venue list that includes Carnegie and Merkin Halls in New York and the Miller Auditorium in Michigan, the state where he received his undergraduate musical education (Western Michigan University).
He earned additional degrees in violin and viola at the Manhattan School of Music.
That Zhezha is the winner of many awards is hardly surprising, given his performance on Saturday. Seamlessly, he shifted gears through wildly contrasting pieces, transfixing listeners with playing that ranged from warm, tender and expressive to spirited and exuberant.
Violin and viola seemed extensions of his very being.
His wife, Naoko Zhezha, a native of Japan, started playing piano at age 5, and moved to the United States at 16 to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan.
Her training continued at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Western Michigan University. She earned a second master’s degree in collaborative piano performance from Rutgers University, where she was an “Edna Mason” scholar.
Like her husband, Naoko Zhezha has received acclaim and won many awards. They both teach music when they are not enchanting audiences.
Video: Rising Stars Braun and Thaper perform
Speaking of teaching, another highlight of the evening was a performance by two teens from the church’s Rising Stars program. Xander Braun, a violinist and Rishubh Thaper, a pianist, both 15, may be rising but they don’t have that far to go, as evidenced by solid performances of Praeludium and Allegro (Fritz Kreisler/Pugnani).
Xander’s awards include the Bach Double Violin Concerto competition in Milwaukee, for two years in a row; the Tri-State and All State Awards from the Royal Conservatory of Music, three years running; and highest marks in the Royal Conservatory of Music auditions.
The young man studies with Mialtin Zhezha in Flemington.
Rishubh has been playing the piano for only six years, yet he has participated in several competitions. He also has composed two piano sonatas, and movements for a symphony and piano concerto. He has won a first prize in the Hunterdon County Young Composers Contest for five straight years.
This year marks the 31st season for Abendmusik. Led by music director June Van Thoen, Music At Morristown United Methodist Church was named the 2005 Outstanding Arts Organization by the Arts Council of the Morris Area.
Three more concerts have been scheduled for the season, in February, March and April.
