Solo Piano Concert Season

David Leighton, a protégé of Alberta Masiello, will be playing three concerts at the DiMenna this season. His first program will feature Bach’s Italian Concerto, BWV 971, Chopin’s Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47, and the Rachmaninoff Sonata Opus 36. Mr. Leighton’s career has spanned fifty years starting as a graduate of The Juilliard School of Music at 19 with his Master’s. Before graduating he was personally invited by Rafael Kubelik to join The Metropolitan Opera music staff. He spent the next ten years concertizing with Met Opera artists Luciano Pavarotti and Beverly Sills, to name but two, as well as touring internationally for many more years with his own production company, Operaworks. Mr. Leighton and Ms. Masiello were both stars of the Texaco Radio Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, and her technique and concepts influenced Leighton profoundly. She was herself a student of Anna Schön-René, a notable Clara Schumann protégée, and Mr. Leighton continues their operatic approach to performing on the grand piano that entertains through dramatic power and an expressive, highly individual style. Discover Mr. Leighton’s distinct voice with the first of three concerts this season. Future Concerts will take place on: February 11 May 1 Mr. Leighton’s season is co-produced by Patrick Casey and Bret and Cassandra Csencsitz