Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > December > 20 > Entry
Anton Nel Birthday Concert
As Anton Nel pulled his bench up to the gleaming Steinway concert grand, Dr. Bill Jones, his partner announced: “When we sent out the invitations, we expected regrets from at least one third of you. We were wrong.”
Teresa Long, Anton Nel, Sarah Butler
Ignore an opportunity to hear Nel, Austin’s concert paragon, play for an intimate mob at his vaulting apartment above Barton Creek? You can bet nobody turned down the invitation. Nel’s doctoral students from the University of Texas served appetizers and wine to the crush. Despite the elbowing, everyone wore a smile of sublime anticipation.
Monica Torres, Artina Hunter
Among the notables were folks whose names decorate Austin’s arts projects: Joe and Teresa Long, Ernest and Sarah Butler, Jeff Kodozsky (didn’t see Gail, but she could have squeezed behind a group of conversants), Jane Sibley, Joe and Tana Christie, Cliff Redd and Rick Johnson, James Armstrong and Larry Connelly, Sharon Watkins, Andrew and Mary Ann Heller, Eva Womack, Alan and Connie Green. We met foreign intelligence expert George Friedman and his wife Meredith (he holds a dark view of publishing’s future and the quality of oversees reporting) and, for the first time, greeted former Ambassador Pam Willeford and her husband Dr. George Willeford III.
Ambassador Pam Willeford, Dr. George Willeford III
Nel hushed all with his youthful Beethoven, melancholy Brahms, Scottish-themed Mendelssohn and valedictorian Chopin. The last piece he played upon request, even though he hadn’t brought it out in years. Is there another serious pianist alive who carries that much music around in his head and hands?
Matt Bird, Betsy Bird
Magical. Remember, Nel, who recently concertized with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, plans a March 29 recital at the Long Center. Don’t miss it. He’s an Austin nonpareil.
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By Stan
December 21, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Your post prompted me to check out Nel on YouTube, he is great.
Looked like fun!