Click Here for Live Stream
Performers
Zephyr Piano Quartet
Kaylin Sheng is in 10th grade at Raleigh Charter High School. She was selected as a 2026 All-State violinist and played with ERO during the 2025–2026 season.
Christina Wang is in 9th grade at Green Hope High School. She plays viola with NCCMI and violin in the Green Hope High School Symphony Orchestra. This fall, she will be attending All-State Honors Orchestra as a first violinist.
Joshua Chen is an 8th grade homeschooler. He plays cello with Triangle Youth Philharmonic and NCCMI. He is an avid music appreciator, and plays many different genres of music such as jazz guitar.
Miles Fox is in 9th grade at Green Hope High School. He plays piano and also studies the pipe organ. In 2026, he won the top prize for the Cooper-Miller Scholarship for pipe organ.
Amethyst Piano Trio
Natalia Biasotto, age 15, started violin lessons at the age of 3. At the age of 9, she began lessons with Cecilia Guida, whom she has studied with. Recently, she also started lessons with Alexander Kerr. At the age of ten she debuted with a professional orchestra in Brazil. Among several achievements within the last years, she played with the Winston-Salem Symphony in March, 2026 after winning the Peter Perret Talent Search, and with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra in May 2026 after winning the Rising Stars Concerto Competition. She enjoys chamber music and has been with NCCMI for four years.
Joshua Hall is a 10th grader who began cello studies at age six. He has been part of an orchestra since 3rd grade and is currently the principal cellist of the Triangle Youth Philharmonic. In addition to solo and orchestral studies, Joshua is a dedicated student of chamber music and has been a student musician with NCCMI since 2022.In his free time, Joshua loves to attend North Carolina Symphony performances, listen to his extensive classical music playlist, enjoy a good novel, play chess, work out, practice his language skills- he is learning German and Russian, and play board games. In the future, Joshua hopes to study cello performance and psychology in college, with aspirations to be an orchestral player and have his own cello studio.
Karolyna Huntanar is a junior at Ravenscroft School and the pianist of the Amethyst Piano Trio. Now in her fourth year with NCCMI, she has been studying piano for over ten years. Outside of piano, she also plays violin in her school orchestra and participates in mock trials.
The North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, an Education Partner of the North Carolina Symphony, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Founded by NC Symphony musicians Elizabeth Beilman and Jimmy Gilmore, NCCMI presents over 40 events with 25+ small ensembles each year including workshops, master classes and concerts. These events enrich the cultural education of young people in the program, ranging in age 8-19. Mentored in the skills of musical performance and public speaking, these young artists share the joy of great chamber music throughout the community. In the past year, NCCMI groups played for over 8000 people throughout Wake County.
Students bond with each other in one small ensemble throughout the year, focusing on great masterworks and mentoring by outstanding teachers in the community. Teachers include members of the North Carolina Symphony and faculty from area colleges and schools. Among our graduating students are outstanding musicians who have gone on to study at major conservatories and universities. In recent years, NCCMI ensembles have advanced to the semifinal round of the elite Fischoff and St. Paul String Quartet Competitions.
NCCMI has a non-discrimination policy and financial aid is provided to over one-third of our students on the basis of need and/or merit. Donations to support scholarships are greatly appreciated and can be made through our website at nccmi.org/donate.
Founded in June, 2003, the Fourth Friday Concert Series, formerly know as the 4th Friday Mix, stands as one of our area’s longest-running concert series. We remain committed to providing free and inclusive concerts that welcome musicians with a passion for sharing their talents. All attendees, including children capable of listening attentively, are warmly welcomed. Fourth Friday Concerts typically feature 2-4 performers or performance groups, although special occasions may showcase a single performer or group for the entire concert.
Fire, Poetry, Rhapsody
Thomas Pandolfi, Piano
Join internationally acclaimed pianist Thomas Pandolfi for an electrifying evening of Romantic power, lyrical beauty, and dazzling virtuosity.
From the commanding brilliance of Chopin’s “Military” Polonaise and the sweeping grandeur of the “Heroic” Polonaise, to the delicate poetry of Debussy’s Clair de lune and Ponce’s Intermezzo, the program traces a vivid emotional journey through the Romantic and post-Romantic piano tradition.
The evening culminates in Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue (1927 solo piano version), bringing the program to a thrilling and unmistakably American finale.
A concert of intensity, elegance, and imagination—designed for both devoted piano lovers and new audiences alike.
Performer Bio
American pianist Thomas Pandolfi is acclaimed for performances that combine virtuoso brilliance with poetic nuance and an immediate, communicative presence. A compelling interpreter of the Romantic and early modern repertoire, he brings a distinctive blend of tonal refinement, structural clarity, and expressive depth to the concert stage.
Pandolfi’s repertoire centers on the works of Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel, and Gershwin, through which he explores the piano’s full expressive range—from orchestral power to intimate lyricism. His interpretations are noted for their coloristic imagination and a natural sense of musical architecture that lends both coherence and vitality to each performance.
A frequent concerto soloist, Pandolfi has appeared with orchestras across the United States and internationally, including the National Philharmonic, the Augusta Symphony and the George Enescu Philharmonic, with upcoming engagements including the Reading Symphony Orchestra. His performances of major works such as Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Gershwin’s Concerto in F are distinguished by both virtuoso command and a refined collaborative sensitivity.
His recordings include orchestral collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra of London and the Moravian Philharmonic further reflecting his work on the international stage.
In recital, Pandolfi is recognized for thoughtfully curated programs that balance dramatic intensity, lyrical intimacy, and coloristic imagination, creating performances that resonate deeply with both seasoned listeners and new audiences alike.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, Thomas Pandolfi continues to establish himself as a compelling voice in the Romantic tradition—an artist whose performances unite intellectual insight with genuine expressive immediacy.
Masterclass details coming soon!
Performer Bio
American pianist Thomas Pandolfi is acclaimed for performances that combine virtuoso brilliance with poetic nuance and an immediate, communicative presence. A compelling interpreter of the Romantic and early modern repertoire, he brings a distinctive blend of tonal refinement, structural clarity, and expressive depth to the concert stage.
Pandolfi’s repertoire centers on the works of Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel, and Gershwin, through which he explores the piano’s full expressive range—from orchestral power to intimate lyricism. His interpretations are noted for their coloristic imagination and a natural sense of musical architecture that lends both coherence and vitality to each performance.
A frequent concerto soloist, Pandolfi has appeared with orchestras across the United States and internationally, including the National Philharmonic, the Augusta Symphony and the George Enescu Philharmonic, with upcoming engagements including the Reading Symphony Orchestra. His performances of major works such as Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Gershwin’s Concerto in F are distinguished by both virtuoso command and a refined collaborative sensitivity.
His recordings include orchestral collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra of London and the Moravian Philharmonic further reflecting his work on the international stage.
In recital, Pandolfi is recognized for thoughtfully curated programs that balance dramatic intensity, lyrical intimacy, and coloristic imagination, creating performances that resonate deeply with both seasoned listeners and new audiences alike.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, Thomas Pandolfi continues to establish himself as a compelling voice in the Romantic tradition—an artist whose performances unite intellectual insight with genuine expressive immediacy.
Click Here for Live Stream
Performers
Thomas Austria is proud to perform in the Fourth Friday Concert Series. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Piano Performance at UNC Greensboro. Born and raised in Wilmington, Thomas Austria was musically inclined from a young age. He nurtured this curiosity through private lessons with music teachers in and out of school. Thomas received a letter of recognition after attending UNCG’s Piano Camp in the summer of 2017. Thomas also attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts through high school as a bassoon major under Saxton Rose, while continuing piano lessons with Dimitri Vorobiev. Thomas would also gain experience in an orchestral setting performing with the Winston Salem Youth Orchestra.
Thomas was fortunate to receive a full-tuition scholarship at UNCW. He returned to Wilmington to continue studying piano with Barry Salwen and Barbara Furr. During his time, he consistently performed in the school’s honors recitals, performed a junior recital in Spring 2025, and has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists such as Petronel Malan, Jialin Yin, and William Hueholt. Thomas was also the first recipient of a scholarship awarded by the Thursday Morning Music Club for university music majors. In the fall of 2024, Thomas won the Richard Deas Concerto Competition and performed with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra in their February 2025 concert. Additionally, Thomas also has contributed as a bassoonist for the UNCW Symphonic Band as well as the Wilmington Symphonic Winds.
Richard Reid grew up in rural Michigan and showed an early interest in the piano. When in high school the family moved to East Lansing where Richard was able to study with faculty members in the music school at Michigan State University. His performing career started in high school where he played widely in the area. He played to his largest audience ever while in high school playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue to an audience of over 4,000 at the Lansing Civic Center! Richard attended Oberlin College as a piano major, winning the concerto competition in his senior year playing Prokoviev’s Concerto #3. On completing a Bachelor of Music degree at Oberlin Richard was awarded a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School where his principal teacher was pianist Beveridge Webster.
After earning a master’s degree at Juilliard, Richard was recruited to the music faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. During this time, he continued what became his lifelong task of expanding his piano repertoire (a lifelong mission of exploration) and playing style. Following his time in Louisiana Richard was recruited to participate in the North Carolina Visiting Artist program for 4 years with residencies in Lexington, New Bern and Pinehurst. Following his work for the NC Visiting Artist Program, Richard was recruited by the music faculty at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC.
During these early years other honors included Teaching Assistant to pianist Walter Hautzig, fellowship recipient at the Yale Summer School of Music and Art(summer, 1977), fellowship recipient at Tanglewood (Berkshire Music Center), full scholarship to the Chautauqua (New York) Summer School of Music and Art(summer 1970) and summer attendance at the National Music Camp (1966-68). His principal teachers included Walter Hautzig, Beveridge Webster, Artur Dann, Joseph Evans and Ozan Marsh.
Richard has played with many symphony orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony, New Orleans Philharmonic, Kingsport Symphony Orchestra (Tennessee), National Orchestral Association (New York), Oberlin Orchestra, Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra (South Carolina), Fort Myers Symphony Orchestra (Florida), Mount Clemens Symphony Orchestra (Michigan), Colorado Philharmonic and Lansing Symphony (Michigan). There were also debut appearances in New York City, London and Brussels.
Reid has also become involved in an aggressive recording project triggered by his acquisition of a new Steinway Concert Grand (model D) in 1999. In addition to commercial recordings for Connoisseur Society, Laurel Records and others Richard has recorded the piano repertoire fairly extensively with stops including Goldberg Variations of Bach, assorted works of the Chopin, Schumann, Debussy, Granados, Prokofiev and has lately been involved in the project or learning, memorizing and recording the 32 Sonatas of Beethoven. With the advent of Internet-based recording the Beethoven cycle will be (eventually) available on the internet. He has most recently been involved in the project of video recording the 32 Beethoven Sonatas with only 8 to go! Richard’s music videos are all available free of charge at www.youtube.com/user/swimortree/videos and date back to 2013.
Founded in June, 2003, the Fourth Friday Concert Series, formerly know as the 4th Friday Mix, stands as one of our area’s longest-running concert series. We remain committed to providing free and inclusive concerts that welcome musicians with a passion for sharing their talents. All attendees, including children capable of listening attentively, are warmly welcomed. Fourth Friday Concerts typically feature 2-4 performers or performance groups, although special occasions may showcase a single performer or group for the entire concert.
Click Here for Live Stream
Performers
Pianist Jean Park is active as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, presenter, and adjudicator. She currently serves on the piano faculties of Duke University and Meredith College, coaches ensembles for the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, and teaches advanced piano students in Cary, North Carolina. Her chamber work includes performances as pianist of the Ardora Trio and collaborations with university colleagues and symphony musicians.
Solo highlights include Around the World in 88 Keys, a recital featuring music from six continents at the Cary Arts Center; a live broadcast on WSMR Classical; a recording of Schubert’s Fantasy in F minor featured in the 2019 film Don’t Let the Night End; and first prize in the Graduate Division of the Schubert Club Competition. She has served as a Rising Faculty Star at the Texas State International Piano Festival, presented on piano ensemble music by Korean composers at the 2025 MTNA National Conference, and been invited to adjudicate competitions in North Carolina, Texas, and New York.
Dr. Park has taught at the collegiate level since 2018, with previous faculty appointments at the University of the Incarnate Word and San Antonio College. She studied at Stony Brook University (D.M.A.) with Gilbert Kalish, the Manhattan School of Music (M.M.) with Daniel Epstein and André-Michel Schub, and the University of Washington (B.A.) with Regina Yeh.
Pianist Lara Saldanha is equally at home as a soloist and collaborator in the worlds of new music, standard repertoire, and historical performance. New music highlights include appearances with Metropolis Ensemble, Sandbox Percussion, Chelsea Symphony, Leschetizky Association, Mannes American Contemporary Ensemble, and Round Top Festival. Standard repertoire highlights include concerts at PS 21 in Chatham, NY, Princeton Sound Kitchen, Valley Cottage Young Masters Series, Rites of Spring Festival, Music Iowa City, Icicle Creek, National Federation of Music Clubs, Weill Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Bohemian National Hall. As a historical performer, Lara has studied harpsichord and fortepiano and appeared as a soloist in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with Kollective366. Lara debuted in India, her country of origin at the National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai, Kala Academy in Goa, and Pune Music Society. As a vocal pianist, Lara has worked with Opera Middlebury, Art of Song at Toronto Summer Music, Manetti Shrem Opera Program at Festival Napa Valley, Opera Saratoga’s outreach programs, Cincinnati Song Initiative’s Fellowship, and Dellarte Opera.
Lara recently moved to North Carolina after a decade in New York City. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Meredith College and the Repetiteur for UNC Opera, and teaches piano privately at her home studio in Chapel Hill. She studied at Stony Brook (D.M.A.), Mannes (P.D.P.L., M.M.), and Northwestern University (B.A./B.M.) with Christina Dahl, Vladimir Valjarevic, and Alan Chow, and was a Collaborative Fellow at Bard Conservatory.
Founded in June, 2003, the Fourth Friday Concert Series, formerly know as the 4th Friday Mix, stands as one of our area’s longest-running concert series. We remain committed to providing free and inclusive concerts that welcome musicians with a passion for sharing their talents. All attendees, including children capable of listening attentively, are warmly welcomed. Fourth Friday Concerts typically feature 2-4 performers or performance groups, although special occasions may showcase a single performer or group for the entire concert.
