And now, for something completely different!

Had a good frisson lately?

Dear Friends of PPI,

We hope (and trust, actually) that at every PPI recital you get a few goosebumps, a few gasps, a lot of deep satisfaction, maybe even momentary unsteadiness from the amazing music that comes from our recitalists. Those characteristics are actually a pretty good definition of that fancy French word, frisson.

Frissons come on, we think, when very touching music causes a lovely collision of memory, beauty, and nostalgia. They happen often when one hears a melody from a lovely moment in the past, particularly if one was feeling romantic at the time!

Thus, we sincerely invite you to hear the unbelievable American pianist Charlie Albright on Friday evening, May 8, at 7:30 p.m., when he will spin magic – via improvisation, a bazillion notes, and zaniness – from original ideas and, even, beloved melodies from anyone’s past. Think Bach’s Jesu, Joy, Mozart’s Turkish Rondo, and Gershwin’s Blue Rhapsody. A grand frisson awaits!

With this second Boundless program exploring unrestrained creativity for the finale of our 2025-26 season, we anticipate your walking out of the hall, wide-eyed and gasping, wondering, “What just happened?” As distinguished musicologists would say, “Yay!”

You won’t see him setting the piano on fire, but sonically it will come close. Charlie’s spins on whatever theme he takes on, we promise, will have you thinking, "Is this guy for real?"

Please do come hear Charlie and – surprise! – get a free Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwich at intermission, just for fun.

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