Ithaca College

Called a "powerful musician and an intense performer" by the New York Times, violinist Christian Tetzlaff will give the fourth performance in the Louis K. Thaler Concert Violinist Series at Ithaca College. Named in memory of the prominent Ithaca attorney, the series was established in 2002 to honor Louis Thaler's lifelong love of the violin. The free concert will take place on Sunday, April 2, at 8:15 p.m. in Ford Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music. The program will include music for unaccompanied violin by Bach and Bartok, widely regarded as some of Tetzlaff's signature works. In addition to the concert, he will also give a master class in the School of Music on Monday, April 3, at 5:00 p.m.

At home in repertoire from Bach to the Romantics, Tetzlaff is also renowned for his interpretations of 20th century music. One of his recent performances of Bach was described as "inspiring" by the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Tetzlaff performed with the kind of insight, intellect, and interpretive power that one rarely witnesses," the reviewer wrote. "And it was all dispatched with astounding virtuosity."

Engaged by many of the world's leading orchestras, Tetzlaff is also a regular guest with many major international festivals. On stage and in the studio he enjoys partnerships with the most distinguished conductors and chamber music colleagues. During the current season Tetzlaff is performing with orchestras in London, Berlin, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Detroit.

The Louis K. Thaler Concert Violinist Series was established in the Ithaca College School of Music by the Thaler/Howell Foundation. Ani Kavafian inaugurated the series in October 2002. Subsequent performers were Elmar Oliveira and Jaime Laredo. The impetus for this gift was provided by Louis's son Manley H. Thaler and his immediate family. Before his death in 1979, Louis Thaler had a long and successful career as an Ithaca attorney and was the founder and senior partner in the Thaler and Thaler law firm. In addition to his professional and civic activities, Louis Thaler was an amateur violinist.