STRINGS IN THE SPRING NEW CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH VIOLIST CHE-YEN CHEN

STRINGS IN THE SPRING

NEW CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH VIOLIST CHE-YEN CHEN

The Carrollwood Cultural Center and pianist Franz Mantini are pleased to present the second concert of the new series, Strings in the Spring on Sun., April 17, 2011 at 3 pm.  Mantini will perform on the Center's Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano with acclaimed guest musician, Che-Yen Chen.

Described by The Strad magazine as a musician whose “tonal distinction and essential musicality produced an auspicious impression”, Taiwanese violist Che-Yen Chen (also known as “Brian Chen”) has established himself as a prominent recitalist, chamber, and orchestral musician. He captured first prize at the 2003 William Primrose Viola Competition and the President Prize at the 2003 Lionel Tertis Viola Competitions. He has performed throughout the US and abroad in such venues as Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie, and the Taiwan National concert Hall.

A tireless advocate of chamber music, Chen is a founding member of the Formosa Quartet, first prize and Amadeus prize winner of the 10th London International String Quartet Competition. He has been a member of the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society two, the Jupiter Chamber Players and has toured with Musicians from Marlboro after three summers at the Marlboro Music Festival. Chen currently serves as principal violist of the San Diego Symphony and teaches at San Diego State University and UC San Diego.

Chen and Mantini will perform three works: Brahms “1st Sonata for Viola and Piano”, Schubert’s “Arpeggione Sonata” and the “Grand Sonata for Viola” by the virtuoso Nicolo Paganini.

"As a resident of Carrollwood, it was with great pleasure that I watched the community work so hard to bring the Center from an idea to reality," wrote Mantini.  "As an artist, it was with great anticipation that I wondered if the performance space would be conducive to the classic musical performance - a fact that has been confirmed many times over."

The inaugural concert, featuring Mantini and violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti, took place on Sat., March 12 was punctuated by no less than three standing ovations.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center is located at 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa.

Tickets for Strings in the Spring featuring Mantini and Chen are $20 for members, $25 for non-members and $20 for seniors (ages 65 and older) and students (ID required). Tickets may be purchased at the Center, online at CarrollwoodCenter.org, or by calling (813) 269-1310