Celebrated clarinetist, acclaimed Maine pianist to join forces

Clarinetist Jon Manasse, one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation, and Maine pianist Frank Glazer perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, in Olin Concert Hall at Bates College, 75 Russell St.

Tickets are $6, available at batestickets.com. For more information, please contact 207-786-6135 or olinarts@bates.edu.

Here’s the program: Debussy’s Première Rhapsody; Brahms’ Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 120, No. 2; and von Weber’s Grand Duo Concertante, Op. 48.

Manasse is recognized for his inspiring artistry and charismatic execution. The San Francisco Classical Voice writes, “All the basic virtuoso qualities–intonation, rhythmic accuracy, flawless phrasing and the like–are to be heard in Manasse’s playing, yet what sets him apart is his exceptionally beautiful sound.”

Manasse is the principal clarinetist of the American Ballet Theatre and the Mostly Mozart Festival orchestras. Since 1995, he has been associate professor of clarinet at the Eastman School of Music (where Glazer taught 1965-80); in the fall of 2007, Manasse joined the faculty of his alma mater, The Juilliard School.

Manasse and his duo partner, pianist Jon Nakamatsu, are the artistic directors of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival.

The 96-year-old Glazer, of Topsham, has had a distinguished international career that includes numerous recordings, solo recitals and performances with orchestras and chamber ensembles. With his wife, the late Ruth Glazer, he founded the Saco River Music Festival, held for many years in Cornish, Maine. Glazer has been an artist in residence at Bates since 1980.