Theater Review
By Karen Meister

What better way to spend a windy Wednesday morning than listening to beautiful classical music, performed by an accomplished pianist.

Daria Rabotkina was the talented and personable musical artist who captured the audience’s attention on Oct. 7 at the Algonquin Arts Theatre, in Manasquan.

This delicate and young woman of 28 possesses a multitude of talent, using such fine precision and intensity on a baby grand piano. It was just amazing to witness such a gifted talent, who uses no sheet music during her performance and is totally engaged in her work, bringing her listeners along with her.

As hard as it was to take my eyes off Ms. Rabotkina, with her delicate gestures and expressions during each piece, it was refreshing to close my eyes for a few moments and just use my sense of hearing.

You can lose yourself from the outside world and its hustle and bustle and enter a peaceful place that is hard to describe.

Ms. Rabotkina’s music exudes emotion, associations and memories which each listener can relate to their own life and experiences.

Winner of the 2007 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, Ms. Rabotkina makes the music come alive. She has been lauded as “a pianist full of fire and warmth” [The Plain Dealer]. The Miami Herald called the artist a “Russian virtuoso” who impresses audiences and critics alike.

Ms. Rabotkina was born in Kazan, Russia. She comes from a family of musicians; both her parents are accomplished pianists. She started playing the piano at the age of 5 and gave her first solo recital at the age of 10. She studied in Russia until the age of 17 and then came to the U.S. to grow in the musical field.

She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Mannes College of Music in New York City and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at Eastman School of Music where she is a “Liberace Scholar.”

After this fantastic performance, Ms. Rabotkina was available for a question and answer session. The audience asked several questions and this mature, gentle woman answered from her heart.

She related how she gets her strength more from a spiritual feeling rather than the actual physical performance. She advised those interested in a similar career to find the music within them —— study and have fun. In other words, do what you love and love what you do.

The Algonquin Arts Theatre has started off their Morning Music Program with an outstanding musician. There will be several other concerts, each featuring exceptionally talented musicians, bringing the series to all who love and appreciate various forms of music.

The next performance will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Rising Stars will entertain at both performances.

This show is free. All other events are $7.

Tickets must be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve, call the Algonquin Arts Box Office at 732-528-9211 or e-mail www.algonquinarts.org.

The box office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What a wonderful opportunity to be able to attend these exciting concerts.

I am looking forward to the next one on Nov. 18. Hope to see you there.