Walter Aparicio and Amanda Zory

by Evan Kory –

New York based pianist Walter Aparicio and soprano Amanda Zory gave an unforgettable concert. Alternating between solo piano works and art songs, the program was primarily centered around rarely heard classical music by Bolivian composers. Born in Bolivia, Walter has a special affinity for this striking repertoire. He played the works of Caba, Salinas, and Sandi with great imagination, authority, and impressive virtuosity. It was refreshing to hear a pianist of his high caliber perform pieces that are not part of the traditional repertoire.

After his first two solo piano pieces, Amanda Zory joined him. Without saying or singing a word Amanda Zory lights up the room and when she begins to sing you are transfixed. Accompanied by Walter she sang Bolivian art songs as well as a set of gorgeous Argentinian songs by Carlos Guastavino. With her velvety tone and theatrical portrayal of the text Amanda captivated the audience.

To diversify their program Amanda and Walter performed a stunning Armenian song titled “The Rose” by Melikian and they closed the recital with two ravishing songs by Rachmaninoff—at the end they received a much-deserved standing ovation.