In the Hour of Magic celebrated American pianist, Miriam Brickman and acclaimed mezzo-soprano Ruti Halvani showcase seldom heard song cycles and piano solos from 19th and 20th Century Eastern Europe.

Uniting rare works for piano and voice by Russian, Polish, Hungarian and Czech composers, the concert reveals the depth and complexity of their range while illuminating their shared influences and experiences, an echo of troubled beauty running throughout.

Piano solos, forming two fascinating overtures, include romantic and lively miniatures by Smetana and Martinu, Etudes by Ligeti and Chopin, and Liszt’s dazzling Hungarian Rhapsody No 11.

The song cycles feature German born Moszkowski’s Vale of Tears, settings of five Chamisso poems as lieder; while the Czech Tucapsky’s Vale of Night consists of three delicate, lyrical tableaux Moon, Rain, and the Hour of Magic, which lends its name to the concert, employing the poetry of W.H.Davies.

Arrangements of Eight Popular Jewish Folk Songs by Holocaust survivor Simon Laks form a powerful and moving set piece, their poignant verses contrasting with the vibrancy of Yiddish tango songs. Rare arias from Russian opera by Rachmaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky are also brought to light in this rich and unusual recital.

Ms. Brickman and Ms. Halvani brought tears to our eyes,liquid gold to our hearts and lifted us onto our feet during the wonderful EVENING OF MAGIC. ~ Willa Caines- Concern Magazine- New York