Saturday, January 30, 2027 - 7:30 PM
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Jazz Meets Classics
Prepare for an evening where classical tradition meets fearless innovation. Internationally acclaimed pianist Matt Herskowitz is celebrated for blending the elegance of classical masterworks with the spontaneity and energy of jazz, creating performances that are as exhilarating as they are unforgettable. His remarkable artistry has drawn comparisons to the musical vision of George Gershwin, delighting audiences with fresh interpretations that transcend genres.
The evening begins with the rich, lyrical beauty of Brahms' Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, featuring acclaimed violinist Stella Chen, cellist Guang Wang, and Herskowitz at the piano. After intermission, the program takes an exciting turn as Herskowitz reimagines Chopin's virtuosic Études through the language of jazz—transforming these beloved masterpieces into dazzling improvisations that are both inventive and deeply respectful of the originals. Whether you're a lifelong classical music enthusiast or a jazz lover looking for something extraordinary, this concert promises a musical experience unlike any other.
Matt Herskowitz
Matt Herskowitz is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger whose remarkable career bridges the worlds of classical music and jazz with extraordinary creativity. A graduate of both The Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Herskowitz first established himself as a concert pianist before developing a distinctive style that blends classical virtuosity with jazz improvisation, world music, and original composition. His performances have captivated audiences at major festivals and concert halls throughout North America, Europe, and beyond.
Often described as a modern-day musical innovator in the spirit of George Gershwin and Jacques Loussier, Herskowitz has become especially renowned for his imaginative jazz interpretations of composers including Bach, Chopin, Schumann, and Ravel. His acclaimed recordings and original works have earned international praise, and his compositions have been performed by leading orchestras around the world. Whether performing a Brahms masterpiece or transforming a Chopin Étude into an exhilarating jazz tour de force, Matt Herskowitz brings breathtaking technique, infectious energy, and boundless musical imagination to every performance.
Guang Wang
Cellist of the award-winning Vega Quartet, recitalist, chamber musician, and educator, Guang Wang has performed in concerts and festivals across North America, Europe and Asia, including the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Mostly Mozart Festival, the Aspen Summer Festival and many others. His performance has been heard on many of the nation's prominent classical radio broadcasts, including NPR’s Performance Today (USA), the National Radio of China, Shanghai TV, Radio France, and France Musiques.
Chinese-born Guang Wang began his cello studies at the age of eight. In 1994, he became the youngest Assistant Principal Cellist at the Shanghai Symphony. He worked with Michael Tilson Thomas, Christoph Eschenbach and other world leading conductors and played over 200 concerts throughout Asia before he moved to United States. Mr. Wang holds a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, Artist Diploma from the Harid Conservatory and a BA degree from the Shanghai Conservatory.
Stella Chen
Stella Chen has quickly become one of classical music's most captivating young violinists, earning international acclaim after winning First Prize at the prestigious 2019 Queen Elisabeth International Violin Competition. Praised by The Strad for her "silken grace" and "brilliant command," she was also named Gramophone's 2023 Young Artist of the Year following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, Stella x Schubert.
Chen has appeared as soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, and Chamber Orchestra of Europe, performing in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Vienna Musikverein, and the Berlin Philharmonie. A graduate of Harvard University, the New England Conservatory, and The Juilliard School, where she now serves on the violin faculty, Stella Chen is celebrated for performances that combine extraordinary technical brilliance with warmth, lyricism, and expressive depth. Music Milton is delighted to welcome this remarkable artist for an unforgettable evening of exceptional musicianship.