All are invited to explore the music of Bach and discover music written by a diverse cast of classical composers that have been overlooked for far too long.
Emily Kalish, violinist, and Kyle Walker, pianist, share a deep love of classical music, and especially the music of Bach, but when they were kids, they both wondered if there were any classical composers who looked like them. Join them in exploring the music of Bach and discovering music written by a diverse cast of classical composers that have been overlooked for far too long.
This program is made possible through a collaboration with Downtown Music at Grace.
About the Musicians
Kyle P. Walker, a renowned pianist known for his passionate dedication to using music as a tool for addressing societal concerns, stands at the forefront of a musical movement. His career has garnered critical acclaim, with notable performances featured on prestigious media outlets like NPR, WQXR, and PBS. He has graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Weill Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater, and international stages from Australia's Tantaloona Cave to the Adelaide Town Hall.
In a pivotal moment, Walker's 2023 solo performance marked the debut of classical piano music at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX, making waves in the industry. He is also the pianist of Dara + Kyle, a groundbreaking piano/cello duo recognized with the 2021 Chamber Music America "Ensemble Forward" career grant, devoted to championing underrepresented composers. Kyle is an integral part of The Harlem Chamber Players, bringing classical music to diverse communities, and a founding member of The Dream Unfinished, an activist orchestra supporting NYC-based civil rights organizations.
As an instructor, Walker shares his expertise as a member of piano artist faculty at New York University, the Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center, and The Artist Program at Suzuki on the Island. He engages students and community members in discussions about arts activism and curriculum diversity, reflecting the communities they serve. With a strong commitment to fostering musical talent, Kyle Walker's impact extends far beyond the concert stage, and his unique fusion of J.S. Bach's compositions with those of neglected composers resonate deeply with issues of oppression and inequality. To discover more about his musical journey, visit www.kylewalkerpiano.com.
As a recitalist and chamber musician, violinist Emily Kalish creates emotionally transformative experiences for audiences.
With her duo partner pianist Kyle Walker, she has performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Storm King Arts Center, New York Society for Ethical Culture, WNYC’s The Greene Space, Erie Cultural Council (PA), and Dayton University’s Social Practice of Human Rights Conference (OH).
Since its founding in 2015, Ms. Kalish has been performing and producing chamber music for The Dream Unfinished, an organization that engages audiences with issues of social justice and civil rights through classical music. The Dream Unfinished offers performances of works by under-represented composers in partnership with activists and community organizations.
For 10 years she was a member of The Binghamton Philharmonic. In 2016 she joined the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, now the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra, and has subbed with many other ensembles in the region. Emily holds a master’s in violin performance from Manhattan School of Music, and a bachelor’s degree from the Hartt School.
A committed educator, Emily is on the faculty at Concordia Conservatory of Music in Bronxville, NY and co-founded the Williamstown Orchestra Workshop (WOW!), a non-competitive, creative summer program for students of stringed instruments. She offers master classes and workshops in addition to her mainstage performances.
