Bax performs with symphony

Piano virtuoso Alessio Bax, is certain to shine April 26 and 27 In Jackson Hall, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville as he joins guest conductor David Lockington and The Nashville Symphony for a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. The piece with its many, furious technical difficulties, is perhaps best known as the centerpiece of the 1996 Academy Award-winning film, Shine, which was inspired by the troubled, but ultimately triumphant life of classical pianist David Helfgott.

“This piece, Rachmaninoff’s tour de force, is powered by driving rhythms and thundering chords. It’s a amazing passionate – not to mention challenging – piece,” says Alan Valentine, Nashville Symphony executive director.

A native of Italy, Alessio Bax discovered his love for the piano at age seven. At age nine, the child prodigy entered the prestigious Bari Conservatory, where he was placed at the fourth-year level. Year after year, he placed well ahead of his classmates and graduated with top honors at age 14 – well before the usual graduation age of 20. Bax went on to Southern Methodist University in Dallas to study with Spanish pianist Joaquin Achucarro, completing a master’s degree in piano performance.

Already a musician of international reputation, Bax won the gold medal in the prestigious Leeds International Pianoforte competition in 2000. He has also performed in recital in Spain, Florence, Poland, London and more.

Also on the program for the April 26 and 27 concerts, beginning at 8 p.m., are excerpts from Rossini’s comic opera La Scala di Seta (The Silken Ladder) and Aaron Copland’s great American symphony, inspired by the heartland, Symphony No. 3.

Tickets are $10 to $50 and can be ordered by calling 615-255-2787.