Fun with Roberto Plano and Friends

Roberto Plano is an Italian pianist of international renown, who has played twice with the New Bedford Symphony. Back in the United States, he made a delightful stop in Marion between extended performances in Newport and Chautauqua. Billed as “An evening with Roberto Plano and Friends,” the event was held as a fund-raiser for the NBSO at Tabor Academy’s Lyndon Auditorium. First on the bill were two duets with NBSO concert master Jesse Holstein: Mozart’s Sonata in G, with the piano playing the dominant role, and the inventive Tzigane of Ravel, with the violin having center stage. Both were played flawlessly. A short interlude was provided by the Planos’ daughters, 6 and 8, making their “North American debuts.” They played short pieces separately and then as piano 4-hands, and performed like young professionals. Next came arias sung by NBSO development assistant and professional soprano Martha Gannon, accompanied by Mr. Plano. Her voice was rich and nuanced, and the “O mio babbino caro” brought a standing ovation. The evening ended with a piano 4-hands duet with Mr. Plano’s wife Paola Del Negro, an accomplished pianist and teacher in her own right. They did rousing renditions of Schumann’s Polonaises and Brahms’ Hungarian dances to well-deserved applause. For an encore, the duet did Victor Borge proud by “fighting” over the piano keyboard. A wonderful, if all too short evening. Please come again, Roberto.