Piano recital: Raising Our Spirits with Jewish Artists

The East Valley Jewish Community Center (EVJCC), Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, and Temple Emanuel of Tempe are partnering to present a live virtual piano recital featuring Dr. Elias-Axel Pettersson at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 25, 2021. The three entities have joined together to bring a cultural experience to those who are missing live concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic and to raise funds for those in the community who are experiencing financial hardship.

There is no charge to attend the concert, but donations are being accepted to help those in need. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link for the event.

Swedish-American pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson, a Mason & Hamlin Concert Artist, is founder of Southwest Piano Festival and a Board member of Arizona Piano Institute. He teaches at Arizona School for the Arts, Rosie’s House, and Adamant Music School, and holds a doctorate from l’Université de Montréal, where he taught for 8 years. He has three albums on Axel Records. www.eapettersson.com.

Dr. Pettersson will be performing works by Jewish composers and other monumental figures, taking a cultural tour through time: Mozart’s Fantasy in D Minor, K. 397; Gershwin’s 3 Preludes; Blumenfeld’s Etude in Ab Major for the Left Hand, Op. 36; Ravel’s Sonatine, Liszt’s Sonetto 104 del Petrarca, S. 1061; and Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14. In addition to celebrating Jewish contributions to classical music, 2021 marks the 210th anniversary of the birth of Liszt, one of the greatest pianists of all time. Mozart will enrapture you with his mini-opera for piano and Ravel will soothe your wandering soul.