Bethany Pietroniro, piano
Much in demand as a collaborative pianist, Bethany Pietroniro is joined by cellist Rachel Gawell Burns for this program created especially for our Downtown Music audience. The program features the Cello Sonata in E Minor, op. 38 by Johannes Brahms and Sonate pur violoncelle et piano, F.P. 143 by Francis Poulenc.
This concert is made possible, in part, with the generous support of Beverley and Sabin Streeter.
Hudson Valley-based pianist Bethany Pietroniro brings honed musicianship and a vibrant collaborative spirit to vocal and instrumental chamber music. Recent performances include the world premiere of Bebop Riddle II for cello and piano by American composer Augusta Read Thomas at the Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music, a concert of chamber music presented at the University of Alabama with her cousin, violist Jake Pietroniro, and appearances with Spiral Songs, a series of immersive musical gatherings that curate classical and folk songs reflecting the connection between our lives and cycles of the earth. A devotee of song in many genres, Bethany frequently collaborates with classical vocalist colleagues, supporting the creation of programs that seek to expand the traditional recital experience and speak to the here-and-now. Alongside her musical work, Bethany has a passion for problem solving and daylights as a software engineer.
Rachel Gawell Burns, cellist
Cellist Rachel Gawell Burns distinguishes herself by pairing a rigorous conservatory skill set with expanding what is possible on her instrument. Rachel studied classical cello with a focus on contemporary repertoire at Peabody Conservatory and Rotterdams Conservatorium (The Netherlands). She performs regularly on Broadway in Six and has been a part of Waitress, Frozen, and Funny Girl as a sub musician. Rachel's band Baba Sonya has been featured on Spotify's US Viral Top 50 playlist and is currently celebrating the release of their seventh EP “Until I Heard it in a Joke”. Rachel’s cello playing can be heard on the A24 film "Problemista", Lady Lamb's album "In The Mammoth Nothing of the Night", and many other releases. Born and raised in Maryland, Rachel lives in Astoria.