IMPRESSIONS OF PARIS
Introduction
An evening devoted to the luminous elegance, passion, and poetic imagination of French music.
This program brings together some of the most beloved and instantly recognizable masterpieces of the French repertoire — from the moonlit delicacy of Claude Debussy to the fiery brilliance of Pablo de Sarasate’s virtuosic tribute to Georges Bizet in Carmen Fantasy.
Bathed in atmosphere, color, and expressive nuance, the evening travels through the refined lyricism of Maurice Ravel, the intimate romanticism of Gabriel Fauré, and the graceful charm of Camille Saint-Saëns — revealing the many shades of the French musical spirit.
From shimmering impressionist landscapes to dramatic operatic passion, Impressions of Paris captures the elegance, refinement, and emotional depth that define France’s greatest composers.
Program Highlights
Maurice Ravel
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Tzigane for Violin
A dazzling and rhapsodic tour de force, blending Hungarian fire with French sophistication.
Camille Saint-Saëns
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The Swan for Cello
A work of exquisite simplicity and lyrical grace — timeless and deeply expressive.
Claude Debussy
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La fille aux cheveux de lin (from Préludes, Book I)
A portrait in sound — tender, luminous, and delicately introspective.
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Jardins sous la pluie
Sparkling and atmospheric, evoking rain-drenched gardens through brilliant pianistic color.
Georges Bizet
Three Songs:
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Chanson d’Avril
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Adieu de l’hôtesse arabe
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La Coccinelle
Gabriel Fauré
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Piano Quartet
Richly textured chamber music — elegant, intimate, and profoundly expressive.
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.
Ashley Garritson, cello
Award-Winning Cellist, Ashley Garritson, has a distinguished career as an international soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. She has concertized with the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, the Del Sol Quartet, members of the Juilliard String Quartet, ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) of Chicago, and the Vols Quartet, among other renowned chamber ensembles.
Garritson is currently Principal Cello of both the Miami City Ballet and the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, under David Amado. She has also served as Principal Cellist of the Chicago Civic Orchestra, working under Pierre Boulez and Daniel Barenboim, and Principal Cello of the Miami Symphony (2007-2011). She is a founding member of Nu Deco Ensemble, based in Miami.
In May 2010, she was granted the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Cello Performance by the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, where she performed the world premiere of Aaron Travers’ Cello Concerto, commissioned for her and
Abby Roth, soprano
Praised by Opera News for her “dramatic intensity and flawless singing,” Abby Roth received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California, where she was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to pursue her operatic career. Abby then graduated with her Masters from the revered Manhattan School of Music, where she performed starring roles in three productions, two of which were recorded with Albany Records (available on Spotify under her maiden name, Abigail Shapiro). She has performed roles around the country, including Vitellia (La Clemenza di Tito) with the Aspen Music Festival and Monica (The Medium) with Opera Maine.
Angela Kratchmer, viola
A native of Iowa, violist Dr. Angela Kratchmer maintains an international career as a teacher, performer, and arts administrator. Committed to socially-motivated artistic practice, Kratchmer was selected to join the Global Leaders Program as a member of the 2018 Cohort and completed a certificate in social justice, teaching artistry, cultural agency, and social entrepreneurship with teaching artist residencies in Chile, Paraguay, and Tanzania. Holding degrees from Luther College (BA ’13) and the Eastman School of Music (MM ’16), Kratchmer earned her DMA in 2021 at the Frost School of Music as a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow and Teaching Assistant to her mentor Jodi Levitz. Kratchmer’s former teachers include Spencer Martin and Carol Rodland.
Currently based in Miami, Kratchmer serves on the faculty of Florida Atlantic University and is an active freelance musician throughout South Florida, performing regularly with the Palm Beach Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera, Nu Deco Ensemble, and Symphony of the Americas.