International ‘First Lady of Piano’ to perform locally

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is “really tickled” to be hosting an international pianist for a concert Sunday afternoon.

Teresa Walters, known as The International First Lady of Piano, will perform a classical piano concert Sunday at the downtown church. Kitty Blattner, treasurer of the church, said Walters typically plays larger venues throughout the world, but during her “off season,” performs for non-profits and churches in the United States.

This year, Blattner said, Walters chose “little ol’ Middletown” for one of her fall concerts.

“We are so excited she’s coming here,” Blattner said. “This is someone you may see in Cincinnati or Dayton.”

In recent years, Walters has performed as recitalist and orchestral soloist on six continents and in most of the 50 states. She has played Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall in London, Salle Cortot in Paris, Moscow’s Great Hall, Concert Hall in Jerusalem, and Australia’s International Conservatorium, Blattner said. She has also played at special events in Vienna, Barcelona and Madrid.

She was the first American pianist invited to present three Anniversary Concerts in honor of Liszt’s birthday: Prestigious invitations to perform at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and the Liszt Museum in Budapest and at Liszt’s Birthplace in Raiding and at Esterhazy Palace.

Tickets are $10 each in advance and $12 at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the church’s general fund, Blattner said. The church seats 350, she said.


HOW TO GO

WHAT: Concert featuring renowned international pianist Teresa Walters

WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 212 S. Broad St., Middletown

COST: $10 in advance at church and $12 at the door

MORE INFO: Call 513-423-1191

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