If you happened to be in the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Hotel on the evening of Feb. 11, there’s a good chance you heard the strains of classical piano music. It was not the hotel’s usual musical fare, but this night the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans was hosting its annual “Nocturne V.” It’s a soirée of champagne, fine dining, and of course, music. This year’s guest pianist Garrick Ohlsson played a Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata, pieces by Frédéric Chopin and a Lowell Leibermann Nocturne. Previous “Nocturne” pianists include Martin Jones, Stephen Hough, Philippe Bianconi and Earl Wild. This event raises funds for a number of MASNO programs such as the Concerto Showcase, which features the finalists from the group’s annual New Orleans Piano Competition. This year’s competition will be July 22 to 29.
Richard Goula, Judy Rush-Eckhardt, Bruce Crutcher and event co-chair Robin Benton Crutcher
Elroy Eckhardt with Diane and Charles Dupin
Garrick Ohlsson and event co-chair Michael Harold
Anne Bradburn, Edgar Chase and Allison McAshan
