BAROQUE
BEAUTIFUL
Introduction
An Evening of Brilliance, Passion, and Virtuosity
The Baroque era gave birth to some of the most dramatic, expressive, and technically dazzling music ever written. It was a time when composers pushed the boundaries of imagination and virtuosity, creating works filled with fiery emotion, intricate musical dialogue, and breathtaking brilliance.
In the grand courts and elegant salons of Europe, music was not simply entertainment — it was an art of storytelling, passion, and spectacle. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Tartini transformed sound into vivid drama: storms and seasons, triumph and sorrow, serenity and intensity. Their music demands both extraordinary skill from the performers and deep emotional engagement from the listener.
This special evening invites you to experience the splendor of the Baroque in an intimate salon setting, where every nuance, flourish, and dramatic gesture can be felt up close. The program brings together some of the most thrilling and beloved masterpieces of the era - works that continue to captivate audiences centuries after they were written.
Program Highlights
Giuseppe Tartini
Violin Sonata “Devil’s Trill”
George Frideric Handel
Passacaglia
Antonio Vivaldi
Winter from The Four Seasons
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto selections
About the Artists
Bela Horvath, violin
Hungarian-born violinist Bela Horvath is celebrated for his electrifying stage presence, remarkable technical brilliance, and deeply expressive musicianship. He began his formal training at the Franz Liszt University of Music in Budapest, studying under renowned concert violinist Miklós Szenthelyi.
He continued his artistic development at the Manhattan School of Music, working closely with world-renowned violinist, violist, and conductor Pinchas Zukerman, as well as his distinguished associate Patinka Kopec. Their mentorship helped shape Bela’s signature blend of virtuosity, depth, and emotional intensity.
Today, Bela performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, captivating audiences throughout Europe and the United States with his dynamic artistry and powerful musical voice.
Sheng-Yuan Kuan, piano
Praised for her “admirable technical finesse and expressive flair” (Baltimore Sun), pianist Sheng-Yuan Kuan has garnered enthusiastic receptions for her solo and chamber music performances at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, Taiwan National Concert Hall, Musikverein in Vienna, and various music festivals and concert series throughout the US.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Sheng-Yuan relocated to America to further her music education. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from The Peabody Conservatory, Master of Music from Yale School of Music, and Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with famed pedagogues like Boris Slutsky, Peter Frankl, Scott McCarrey and Constance Keene. She garnered awards at competitions worldwide.
Sheng-Yuan is currently serving as staff collaborative pianist and keyboard instructor at Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida. In the summer, you can find her performing at the Heifetz International Music Institute and the Josef Gingold Chamber Music Festival.