Transformation -Ani Aznavoorian & Robert Cassidy

The public is invited to attend a special Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series presentation featuring the renowned artists pianist Robert Cassidy and cellist Ani Aznavoorian, a soloist with leading orchestras throughout the world and the Principal Cellist of Camerata Pacifica. The concert takes place on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church in Los Olivos.

To celebrate being able to perform once again for a live audience, Mr. Cassidy and Ms. Aznavoorian have planned a concert of much beloved sonatas including Beethoven’s Sonata in C Major, op.102 #1. Debussy’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, and the Brahms Sonata in E Minor, op. 38.

This performance will be recorded and will be accessible via the St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley website beginning July 3rd (smitv.org/syv-concert-series).

Pianist Robert Cassidyhas received widespread acclaim for his performances and recordings of both solo piano repertoire and chamber music. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music; and Doctor of Arts in Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying/Piano Performance from Ball State University. He is a sought after soloist, chamber musician, as well as teacher and coach. In addition to his performances, Dr. Cassidy continues his active teaching career based at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.   Dr. Cassidy has been Artistic Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series since 2019.

Cellist Ani Aznavoorianis described byThe Strad Magazineas having “Scorchingly committed performances that wring every last drop of emotion out of the music. Her technique is well-nigh immaculate, she has a natural sense of theater, and her tone is astonishingly responsive.” Ms. Aznavoorian received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School and continues to perform often in New York and also throughout the world as soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Tokyo Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, Finnish Radio Symphony, International Sejong Soloists, Belgrade Philharmonic, Juilliard Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony. Ms Aznavoorian also is a member of the faculty at summer festivals as well as the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. This season marks Ms. Aznavoorian’s 14th year as principal cellist with Camerata Pacifica. A recent highlight was the honor of performing Lera Auerbach’s “Dreammusik” for Cello and Chamber Orchestra which was written and commissioned for her by Camerata Pacifica.

This benefit concert is FREE but the artists are inviting people to donate to support the upcoming season of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series and the world class artists who will perform at St. Mark’s throughout the year.   Adults & students (ages 8+) are welcome.

We recommend reserving tickets in advance online at:  smitv.org/syv-concert-series.

Donations to support the SYV Concert Series can be made here too.