To celebrate the arrival of their new piano, and to continue their Grand Opening festivities, the Cambridge Performing Arts Center presents Piano Gala 2012. The night of elegance will feature Ben Rosenblum, faculty member Alida Rohr and more, showcasing the new Xibus Performance Hall and the wonderful gift from the Boston Park Plaza, their new 6-foot Yamaha Grand Piano.
Ben Rosenblum is a jazz pianist and composer based in New York City, whose work has garnered numerous awards, including the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers award in 2010, the Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Original Song in 2010, and the Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Arrangement in 2011. Recently, he was commissioned by the XIBUS World Orchestra in Boston to write a piece for full orchestra, chorus, and jazz band, which culminated in a performance at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall on April 14, 2012. Ben has played with the Bachiana Brasileira Orchestra at Lincoln Center (conducted by Joao Carlos Martins and featuring Dave Brubeck), as well as in Delhi and at the DUMBO Arts Festival, Ryles Jazz Club, Johnny D's, Atwood's Tavern, and a number of other venues in New York and Boston.
Born in the Bronx, vocalist Alida Rohr trained at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston [double major, performance of early music / third stream] with Ray Devol, Gerri Martin and Ran Blake. She has performed and/or recorded with: Joe Pass, Joann Brackeen, Larry Coryell, Stuart Hamm, D. Sharp, Manny Williams, Jon Davis, Harvey Diamond, Lowell Skinner Davidson, Bruce Arnold, Pedro Ito, David Rozenblatt, Matt Herskowitz, MaDFusion, Esperanza Spalding, Richie Barshay, Nando Michelin, Oz Noy, Midnight'sExile, Ivan Sierra & Dev Avidon. A Band leader, producer, arranger & songwriter, she has had many different bands. Her current band is Weatheroutpost12.
The Gala is a free event open to the community, but we ask for a $10 suggested donation. Wine and cheese reception to follow the concert. For more info, call the Hall at 617-868-1118 x103.