Join the Lawrenceville Symphony Orchestra for a night of sweeping elegance and bold American flair in this dazzling program of iconic works by Johann Strauss II and George Gershwin.
​
The evening opens with Strauss’s Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), Op. 437—a grand and graceful tribute originally dedicated to the Austrian Emperor and German Kaiser. Full of charm, majestic melodies, and Viennese sparkle, this beloved waltz captures the grandeur of Old World Europe at its most refined.
​
In striking contrast, the program continues with George Gershwin’s electrifying Rhapsody in Blue, a groundbreaking blend of classical form and jazz rhythm that forever changed American music. Celebrated pianist Anna Keiserman joins the orchestra for this iconic work, delivering the lyrical expressiveness and dazzling virtuosity that have made it a favorite for audiences worldwide.
​
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening that spans continents and centuries—uniting the elegance of Strauss with the bold innovation of Gershwin, all brought to life by the Lawrenceville Symphony Orchestra.
Anna Keiserman,
Pianist
Russian-born pianist Anna Keiserman is known for her imaginative programming, expressive range, and artistic depth. Her performance credits span notable venues such as Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, and Ateneu Barcelonès in Barcelona. She has appeared as a soloist with ensembles including the Volgograd Symphony Orchestra, University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, and Somerset Symphony Orchestra.
Anna’s debut album, Russian Mosaic, released on the Sheva Collection label, brought attention to rarely performed works by Rachmaninoff, Shchedrin, Smirnov, and Medtner. Critics have praised her playing as “brilliant” (New York Concert Review) and “vibrant” (Atlanta Audio Club). She is also a passionate collaborator with living composers, premiering and recording numerous contemporary works.
A dedicated educator and cultural ambassador, Anna has designed innovative concert experiences such as American Music 1917–18, Sounding Palettes, and New York Lights, fostering audience engagement across genres and eras. She has served on the faculty of NYU, Rutgers, and William Paterson University, and currently teaches piano at the University of North Georgia.
Hongtae Kim is a distinguished graduate of the Department of Music at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea. He went on to earn his diploma from the Conservatorio di Musica G.B. Martini in Bologna, Italy, and completed the Advanced Professional Performance Program at the Accademia Musicale Pescarese in Pescara.
​
Mr. Kim has performed in numerous operas, oratorios, and concerts with leading organizations both in Korea and internationally. His collaborations include Yewool Opera Stage, the Korea National Opera, Gwangju Opera Company, Kiwon Opera Company, New Seoul Opera Company, Gangwon Vocal Society, and NOI Opera, among others. His diverse repertoire spans classics such as La Bohème, Tosca, Rigoletto, Pagliacci, and Amahl and the Night Visitors, as well as contemporary operas and gala productions including Il Trovatore.
​
He was featured in both the Gala Concert celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Korean Opera and the Korea National Opera’s 50th Anniversary Gala. A respected educator and adjudicator, Mr. Kim has served as a judge for numerous prestigious competitions, including the Masan MBC Gagopa Art Song Competition, Gwangju Competition, Ewha-Kyunghyang Music Competition, and the Music Education Newspaper Competition.
He is currently an active member of the Soloist Ensemble.
