In the Magical City of San Miguel

We live in the magical city of San Miguel, yet we were stunned last night when we attended a private in the home concert of pianist Jerry Fastrup and his wife, Gloria Fastrup. First, we gathered on the rooftop of the Fastrup's beautiful home for a get-acquainted meet with 25 to 30 guests. Wine was served along with plenty of nibbles. 

Then we adjourned to the living room. There stood Jerry's beautiful Czech Petrof high-gloss deep violet piano. Jerry sat proudly and started the evening off with his exuberant playing. His face takes on a blissful demeanor when he begins to play.

He was joined by Alicia Rappoport, a world-class singer who has traveled the world and has just released her fourth CD. She comes from Argentina, escaped to Spain, back to Argentina, then Chile, and now here in San Miguel. She was fabulous singing a French song with so much emotion it almost made me tear up.

Next up was Malcolm Halliday. Malcolm Halliday performs in the United States, Europe, and Mexico, both as a soloist and in collaboration with singers, instrumentalists, and orchestra. A champion of more recent and contemporary music, Halliday can be heard as a pianist on two recordings of the music of the American composer Leo Sowerby: a solo album entitled Impressions, and songs with bass-baritone Robert Osborne in a collaborative album entitled My Love Unspoken, both CDs released through Albany Records.

Finally, we were introduced to Grammy award winner and concert pianist Richard Dowling. Career highlights include a sold-out New York orchestral debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, solo recitals at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in New York, and a special award from the National Federation of Music Clubs recognizing his outstanding performances of American music.

Richard Dowling finished the evening with the performance of Clair de Lune.

We want to thank the Jerry and Gloria Fastrup for a wonderful and not soon forgotten evening.