Petaluma Historical Museum is set to host a very special duo-pianist concert this summer to commemorate America’s first concert pianist and composer, Louis Moreau Gottschalk's historic Petaluma visit and performance
Gottschalk (1829-1869) played in Petaluma exactly 150 years ago, on July 27, 1865. He was the “rock star” pianist of the day, mobbed by adoring fans wherever he went.
Born in New Orleans in 1829 and trained in Paris, Louis Moreau Gottschalk was considered one of the greatest pianists in the world.
He was a noted composer and conductor, staging “monster” concerts that often included up to 30 pianos and orchestras with a mind-boggling 650 musicians.
Celebrity gossip is nothing new. Three months after his appearance in Petaluma, Gottschalk became the subject of international scandal when he was accused of romantic trysts with a young female student in Oakland.
Faced with an onslaught of negative publicity, he traveled to South America where he continued to perform, compose and conduct mostly his own much-loved music until his death on December 18, 1869.
The 2105 commemorative concert takes place Monday evening July 27th at 7:30 pm. Pianists Marilyn Thompson and Antonio Iturrioz will perform 2-hand and 4-hand pieces by Gottschalk.
Admission is $10 general seating, $15 balcony and free to students. Tickets are available at the Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 4th Street in Petaluma, phone (707) 778-4398 or from their website: www.petalumamuseum.com
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