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Thomas Schultz

Michael Zwiebach on September 9, 2009
Thomas Schultz
Despite celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Old First Concerts has an undeservedly low profile in the Bay Area. The concert series only rarely features high-profile stars, but the musicians on its programs are top-notch and highly regarded in the profession.

A case in point is Thomas Schultz, Sunday's piano recitalist at Old First Church. A Stanford University professor of piano, Schultz is also an active concertizer who has premiered a number of works by famous contemporary composers.

His recital previews two big works he'll be taking to Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in October: Franz Schubert's glorious final piano sonata (in B-Flat, D. 960) and Johannes Brahms intricate, bravura Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel. I don't know what New Yorkers will pay for this concert, but at Old First it will cost you all of $12.