Program comprises Schumann’s Kreisleriana, selections from
Janáček’s On an Overgrown Path, and Mozart’s Piano Sonata in
F major, K 533/494, and Rondo in A minor, K 511
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (May 11, 2020) — Pianist Jonathan Biss, whose numerous e-performances since the coronavirus outbreak have been seen by hundreds of thousands across the web, gives a video recital in support of online fundraiser Artist Relief Tree (ART) on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The recital is free to watch, but viewers are encouraged to donate to ART, which was established to support artists affected financially by COVID-19. Mr. Biss performs Schumann’s Kreisleriana, selections from Janáček’s On an Overgrown Path, and two works by Mozart—Piano Sonata in F major, K 533/494, and Rondo in A minor, K 511. Additionally, he interviews Molly Carr and Andrew Janss, Co-Directors of the non-profit organization PROJECT: MUSIC HEALS US, and all four members of the New York-based Aizuri Quartet—offering viewers an on-the-ground perspective of how the musical community is affected by and responding to the coronavirus crisis.
The performance will be streamed on Facebook by ART (facebook.com/artistrelieftree) and Mr. Biss (facebook.com/JonathanBiss) and on YouTube by ART (click here). To stay up to date on streaming details, see artistrelieftree.com.
Jonathan Biss, an ART Ambassador, said:
“The COVID crisis is existential for the many thousands of freelance artists across the country. We cannot have a meaningful artistic life without them; they are essential! I’m so grateful to ART for leaping into action to address this urgent need, and invite everyone to join me in supporting them.”
ART Co-Founder Morgan Brophy said:
“The goal is to provide wide-reaching support for artists of all disciplines via a simple application process, quick and easy access to funds, and full transparency. We cannot hope to replace an artist’s lost income entirely. Our mission is to promote sharing our collective resources to help keep the artistic community alive. Like the tree in our name, we want to bring each root and branch of our community together to support each other.”
Mr. Biss records this recital from his home in Philadelphia, with equipment, engineering, and editing generously provided for free from Drew Schlegel. Mr. Biss’s first recital from home was a March 26 program for the 92nd Street Y, where he had been scheduled to perform. This performance, viewed more than 280,000 times on Facebook, was one of the first widely viewed online classical events of the coronavirus era. Mr. Biss’s #DailyBeethoven videos from late March to late April also garnered a devoted following, and last week he was presented in an all-Beethoven recital for The Gilmore’s Virtually Gilmore web series. His additional charitable activities amidst the coronavirus crisis have included a benefit performance for Music for Food, an initiative he has long supported that presents concerts to help relieve food insecurity in the Greater Boston area.