A long time friend of the Clarion, Carl Blake will Present works by Chopin, Debussy, Sibelius, Mompou, and Respighi.

Barbara Riccardi, violinist will accompanied.

CARL BLAKE (piano) holds three degrees in piano performance: Bachelor of Music (magna cum laude)

from Boston University, a Master of Arts from San Jose State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from

Cornell University. Dr. Blake has performed to critical acclaim three times in Weill Recital Hall (formerly,

Carnegie Recital Hall), Wigmore Hall (London), and L’Hermitage (Winter Palace of the Czars, St.

Petersburg, Russia). In addition, he has toured France, England, Central and South America, and the

Caribbean Islands as Artistic Ambassador for the United States Department of State. Currently, he

serves as Director of Music of The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco and serves

on the Board of Directors of Noontime Concerts SF.

BARBARA RICCARDI (violin) graduated magna cum laude from Vassar College where she studied with

Russian violinist Boris Koutzen and Casals disciple Luis Garcia-Renart both kindled her love of

chamber music.  This inspiration led to a mentorship with the Guarneri String Quartet and its first

violinist Arnold Steinhardt who became her sole teacher for many years.  She joined the San Francisco

Symphony under Seiji Ozawa and subsequently the San Francisco Opera Orchestra where the vocal

masters continue to inspire.  Ms. Riccardi is a founding member of the Temescal String Quartet as well

as the Nipper Piano Trio and performs throughout the Bay Area.