Tuesday, May 17
Francesco Petrarca + Franz Liszt = Poetry in Music

A lecture recital by concert pianist
Elias-Axel Pettersson

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Fourteenth-century Italian poet and scholar Petrarca wrote more than 300 sonnets (Shakespeare wrote 154), all dedicated to Laura, whose true identity has never been confirmed, only surmised. Upon his travels to Italy, Liszt became inspired by Petrarca’s poetry and composed three pieces based on Sonnets Nos. 47, 104, and 123. Dr. Pettersson will take his listeners through the mind of each great artist and show how poetry was turned into music that moves the soul.

Hailed for his “rhythmic integrity, singing tone quality, and refinement” (Clavier), Swedish-American pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson has established himself as a formidable soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. A Mason & Hamlin Concert Artist, Pettersson collaborates with numerous musicians and champions contemporary composers, performing many world premieres.

He produced and released three albums on Axel Records and has cultivated a loyal online following via YouTube and as co-host of the podcast And If Love Remains. In 2015, he founded Southwest Piano Festival in New Mexico; in 2018, he joined the board of the Phoenix-based nonprofit organization Arizona Piano Institute, where he is Competition Director. Pettersson has also been a jury member of many regional and national competitions.

Known as a conscientious and motivational guide, he frequently performs, lectures, and teaches masterclasses throughout the USA, Canada, and Sweden, combining an extensive music theory and history background with Alexander Technique training. In 2019, Pettersson joined the faculties of Adamant Music School in Vermont, Arizona School for the Arts, and Rosie’s House Music Academy, where he co-chairs the piano department. He received his doctorate from l’Université de Montréal, where he taught for 8 years. Visit his website at eapettersson.com.

Tuesdays at the J

Tuesdays from 10 – 11 a.m.

Tuesdays at the J is a group for individuals and couples ages 55-plus who meet weekly to enjoy presentations on a variety of topics. New members are always welcome and no membership is required to attend Tuesday at the J programs.