Rising Stars in Classical Music to Perform Innovative Program – Melissa White and Pallavi Mahidhara Recital May 4

Milwaukee, Wisc. –

If violinist Melissa White and pianist Pallavi Mahidhara are the future of classical music, then the future is bright! Award-winning artists and longtime friends, they combine their talents for a recital at the Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:30 pm. Concert Conversations at 6:30 pm.

In this innovative program, White and Mahidhara cross the spectrum of violin and piano repertoire. “We are performing works by composers who represent a diversity of backgrounds, much like the two of us,” explains Mahidhara.

With a nod to the exhibit celebrating women at the Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum, the duo will perform works by American women composers Amy Beach and Nokuthula Ngwenyama. The concert also includes works by Johannes Brahms, William Grant Still, and a transcription by Jascha Heifetz of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. They are performing this program for only two concerts, one in Milwaukee and a sold-out show in Washington D.C.

For PianoArts founder, Sue Medford, the event represents a culmination of its mission: “We nurture young artists preparing for careers in classical music through developing powerful communication skills and creating programs for 21st-century ears. I am excited to have them here.” She recognizes this event is a rare opportunity to spend time with musical entrepreneurs who are forging their own way in the changing world of classical music.

About Melissa White
White is a founding member of the renowned Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet. With repeat performances that include the National Philharmonic and Chicago Sinfonietta, and debuted performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony, Aspen Music Festival and School as both featured soloist and conductor, White continues to delight audiences and critics worldwide.

About Pallavi Mahidhara
Mahidhara is a past winner of Milwaukee’s prestigious PianoArts Competition, later teaching Masterclasses for local students. She’s performed in several of the most significant festivals in the world, including Gstaad Menuhin, Marlboro Music, and Vernier. Sir András Schiff chose her for his “Building Bridges” concert series, which supports and promotes young pianists. She is also artistic advisor and a piano professor for the Young Artists Program at the Reina Sofia School in Madrid, Spain. Mahidhara performs regularly on stages across five continents.

Commitment to Education
While they are in Milwaukee, they will also teach a Masterclass for students at UW-Milwaukee. The two, who met at the Curtis Institute of Music, invest time in developing the next generation of musicians. White loves to connect with students in the communities she’s visiting, especially in her roles as a professor at NYU Steinhardt and as a visiting coach with the University of Buffalo. Mahidhara has been a longtime mentor to students, both as a PianoArts alum, and as artist-in-residence with the Levine School, Washington D.C. She is also the executive producer, writer, and host of the “The Conscious Artist”, a new podcast designed to promote Mental Health Awareness for musicians, artists, and all people.

Concert at The Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum
The event will be held at the Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum, located at 1801 North Prospect Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Charles Allis Art Museum is temporarily rebranded as the Sarah Ball Allis Museum to honor Charles’ wife, an avid art collector, and to highlight work by women artists. The “Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum” presents its collection as though Sarah were actively collecting today, underscoring feminism in art and life.

Ticket Information
Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for students. Seating is limited, so advance tickets are recommended. Tickets can be purchased online through pianoarts.org. For more information about the event, please visit pianoarts.org or email Sue Medford, Director at mailto:info@PianoArts.org.
Recital is brought to Milwaukee by PianoArts of Wisconsin. PianoArts exists to develop innovative ways to foster appreciation and performance of classical music. This is accomplished by identifying and training new generations of pianists with exceptional musical and verbal communication skills, preparing them for performance and presenting them to diverse audiences.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.