Austrian concert pianist Walter Hautzig will perform a concert of classical compositions on Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in Baylor School’s alumni chapel. The event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature Baylor’s orchestra under the direction of Tom Schow.
Formerly of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Mr. Hautzig has performed all over the world, including numerous concerts in Japan and throughout western Europe and South America. Recently, Steinway Hall in New York City presented him in recital as a special celebration of his 90th birthday.
Mr. Hautzig’s recordings of Schubert, Chopin and Brahms have received critical acclaim. His autobiography “Playing Around the World: A Pianist Remembers” traces his life as a concert pianist dating back to his childhood in Vienna. After the Nazis occupied Austria, he fled to Jerusalem, where he studied at the conservatory there. Mr. Hautzig came to the U.S. in 1939, continuing his musical education at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pa., graduating with honors.
His autobiography also traces his study with legendary teachers such as Artur Schnabel and Mieczyslaw Munz. Mr. Hautzig remains one of the last of the generation of great pianists associated with the Golden Age of the Piano.
Mr. Hautzig’s recital will include Bach F minor Piano Concerto, Schubert's "Wander Fantasy" and six waltzes by Chopin.