The American pianist, Sally Christian, received her Master's Degree in Arts from California State University in Fresno studying with Philip Lorenz as the recipient of the Amparo Iturbi Scholarship in piano. She also studied at Stanford University, and privately with Claudio Arrau.
Sally Christian has appeared as soloist with the Berkeley Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Nassau Symphony, (Long Island) the Mozart in Monterey Chamber Orchestra, the Hawaii Symphony, and most recently, with the Elmhurst Symphony (Chicago). In addition, she toured as guest soloist extensively throughout Mexico with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Xalapa. Among her numerous recitals are two highly successful Carnegie Hall appearances. Her intense interest in Spanish music led to an invitation from Jose Greco, famed flamenco dancer, to perform as a soloist with the Jose Greco Dance Company in 1988. The pair teamed up again with Jose Greco II in 1996 with a gala event, "Viva la Musica" at Davies Symphony Hall. Sr. Greco has termed Sally Christian as a "soulful interpreter of Spanish music." She was on the California Arts Council Touring Roster for the 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 seasons.
Sally Christian records for Classical West Records. For the 2004-2005 season, she is performing and recording the extremely difficult complete Iberia by Isaac Albeniz. In 1995 she was commissioned to record the complete piano works of San Francisco composer, Gordon Getty. Her all-Ravel CD which was released in 1994, has received critical acclaim. To quote from The Audio Adventure: "Sally Christian brings the work of Maurice Ravel to brilliant life...the way Ravel might have played it himself."
Sally Christian resides in San Rafael with her husband, Dr. Ron Friedman, and enjoys a private piano practice. |