Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor -- the last of the Spivey Series' guest artists this season

This afternoon Benjamin Grosvenor gave his Spivey Hall debut recital to heady applause -- including after the Bach/Busoni Chaconne in D minor, which brought people to their feet in the middle of the first half, something that I've only very rarely seen happen here.

So enthusiastic was the the audience response at the end of the recital that he regaled us with three encores, unfamiliar to many.  By popular demand, I've posted them on his Spivey Hall event page for those who are curious.

My happiest discoveries of the afternoon were works by Enrique Granados, whose beautiful 8 Valses poeticos were followed immediately by three pieces from Goyescas: "Quejas, ó la y el ruiseñor," "El amor y la muerte" and "El pelele."  The Valses poeticos are on Benjamin Grosvenor's latest Decca CD, Dances, which recently won BBC Music Magazine's 2015 Instrumental Award -- and a very gratifying recording it is.


I again wish to extend warm thanks to Friend of Spivey Hall Dr. Michael Koch, who generously sponsored Mr. Grosvenor's recital, as well that of pianist Beatrice Rana, which opened the season last September. 

This recital was the last performance by guest artists the 2014-2015 Spivey Series. artists  We look forward to the spring concerts by the Spivey Hall Children's Choir Program, the first on Friday, May 15 at 7 PM featuring all three choirs (the Young Artists led by Craig Hurley with accompanist Marcena Kinney, plus the Children's Choir and Tour Choir), and two performances on Saturday, May 16 at 3 PM and Sunday, May 17 at 3 PM, of an extended program by the Children's Choir and Tour Choir under the direction of Dr. Martha Shaw with accompanist Judy Mason, which includes a preview of the Tour Choir's repertoire for their forthcoming tour of Spain.

I'm also pleased that OurSong: Atlanta's Gay and Lesbian Chorus returns to Spivey Hall on Saturday, June 13 at 8:15 PM directed by Dr. Robert Glor -- program details coming soon.

Then, for me, summer travels begin...and before we know it, Spivey Hall's Season 25 will open.  If you've not received a Season 25 Concert Book, call the Box Office at (678) 466-4200 or request one via our website. More glorious music awaits us in the special anniversary season!