This star-studded program represents the incredible range of fabulous American music and features two all stars hot on the recent classical and bluegrass scene - violinist Tessa Lark and bassist Michael Thurber. Budding superstar Tessa Lark thrilled PSO audiences with her artistry after winning the 2008 Klein competition and has gone on to triumphs at the Naumburg and Indianapolis Violin Competitions, in addition to winning the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship. Michael’s composing career spans many worlds, from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the smash YouTube channel CDZA to being the long-time bassist on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Join Assistant Conductor Hoh Chen as he explores the history of PSO’s Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition program alongside program coordinator Heidi Hau and past competition winner Solomon Ge.

Van Cliburn Competition winner and Bay Area legend Jon Nakamatsu plays piano masterworks of Schubert and Chopin in this performance/conversation with Maestro Klein, including discussions of how competitions affect performing careers and remembrances of concert tours together.