I am thrilled to be invited to curate a performance at the Quick Center; it's one more way for me to say thank you to the extraordinary world of Fairfield County and its great cultural traditions, which so nourished me growing up.

An obvious choice for me to present to you in solo recital is my friend and colleague, the great Italian pianist Alessio Bax, with whom I've had the privilege of collaborating as conductor in the concerto repertoire.

Now a resident of the United States, Alessio's own brand of power, elegance and tradition has served him well in building an important career all over the world. I cannot think of a better pianist of my generation to perform for you some of the great virtuoso repertoire of the turn of the last century, which legendary artists like Richter and Horowitz would have themselves enjoyed -- blockbusters like the monumental Scriabin Third Sonata, and even the solo-piano version of Maurice Ravel's amazing orchestral ride, La Valse. All together it will make for an unforgettable evening of piano music in the bravura tradition.

- Alexander Platt, curator, Music Director for Maverick Concerts, the Wisconsin Philharmonic and the Marion Indiana Philharmonic