Rob Schwimmer Comes Back To the Center

Rob Schwimmer

Pianist and thereminist Rob Schwimmer, whose Northampton concert last February took place during an ice storm, robbing most listeners of an opportunity to hear a unique talent, will return to the Center for the Arts on Friday, September 12, at 8 p.m. for a special concert in the Center’s acclaimed “A World of Piano” series. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors over 65. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the Center, (413)584-7327.

In addition, on the morning of September 12, Schwimmer will conduct a special lecture/demonstration about the theremin for the entire Northampton High School student body, made possible with support from the Daniel Stephen Goldstein Fund for the Arts.

Invented in 1919 by Russian Léon Theremin, the theremin is one of the earliest electronic musical instruments, and the first musical instrument played without being touched. The instrument consists of two metal antennae, which sense the position of the player's hands to control frequency with one hand, and volume with the other.

Rob Schwimmer’s work is a brilliant meld of musical discipline, sensuality, technical acumen, and freedom - a combination that has made his debut solo piano album, “Beyond The Sky” so highly acclaimed. "You may not know Rob Schwimmer, but you oughtta,” writes Stereophile Magazine. “On ‘Beyond The Sky’ his piano playing and composing are remarkable."
Rob was hand-picked to play keyboards, theremin and sing in the elite touring band for Simon and Garfunkel's "Old Friends" North American and European tours (2003-2004) and appeared in their CD/DVD "Old Friends: Live On Stage." In addition to his recordings and his appearances as soloist with numerous orchestras, he has collaborated with many other musicians, including Wayne Shorter, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Laurie Anderson, Bette Midler, Queen Latifah, T-Bone Walker, Ang Lee, Mabou Mines, John Cale, Steve Buscemi, Burt Bacharach, Edie Brickell, Teo Macero, Hal Willner, The Everly Brothers, Kurt Vonnegut, Odetta, Drepung Loseling Tibetan Monks, Joseph Jarman, Sammy Davis Jr. and Sam Rivers.

"Not only is Rob Schwimmer one of my first-call piano players,” says legendary producer Arif Mardin, “he's also a great artist in his own right. His compositions, technique and interpretation all come together on ‘Beyond The Sky’ —Some of the best piano playing I've ever heard!"

This concert is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Clarion Hotel, with help from WMUA-91.1FM.