David Leighton, Solo Piano Concert Season

David Leighton will be playing three concerts at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music Cary Hall beginning this fall: 11/13, 2/11 and 5/1 The first program on November 13 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 preparing famous productions there and 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 was a mentee of Alberta Masiello, and both were stars of the Texaco Radio Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. Ms. Masiello’s 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