Pianist Robert Thies & Violinist Roger Wilkie Play Final Season Restoration Concert (Photo – Friends of South Pasadena Library)
South Pasadena’s Restoration Concerts series will conclude its season this Sunday at 4:00 pm, offering one final opportunity for audiences to enjoy an afternoon of chamber music in the Library Community Room at 1115 El Centro Street. The performance coincides with Mother’s Day, giving concertgoers a fitting cultural outing to mark the occasion.
By Melanie Hooks
Pianist Robert Thies and violinist Roger Wilke will appear as the featured duo for the season finale. Their program includes works by Prokofiev, Debussy, Franck and Beethoven, highlighting a range of musical styles and periods.
Tickets are available at the door for $25 or online for $26.
Thies, a Steinway Artist, is known for his refined tone and interpretive approach that emphasizes the composer’s voice. He gained international recognition in 1995 after winning the Gold Medal at the Second International Prokofiev Competition in St. Petersburg, becoming the first American since Van Cliburn to win a Russian piano competition. His work also extends to recording projects and contributions to film and television soundtracks.
Wilke, a Southern California native, has served as concertmaster and soloist with the Long Beach Symphony for more than 27 years. He joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra at age 21 and later served as its concertmaster. His career includes guest concertmaster roles with major ensembles, extensive studio recording work on more than 1,000 film soundtracks, and chamber music performances across the United States and Europe.
The Restoration Concerts Committee, part of the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, presents the series with the goal of bringing high‑quality music to the community at accessible prices. Proceeds support restoration and enhancement projects for the Library and its Community Room.
More information is available by contacting restorationconcerts@gmail.com or visiting the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library website.