Clarinet, piano duo delight audience at penultimate concert

The Polish word "żal" doesn't have a direct translation to English, but it conveys a sense of melancholy, regret and longing that is relevant for composer Frederic Chopin, as musician Jessé Martins explained while cueing up to play "Waltz Op. 69 No. 1" for his Longboat Key audience.

"It's known as the 'Farewell Waltz,' and he wrote it for Maria Wodzińska," Martins told listeners. "He was briefly engaged to her, but apparently, she was already married."

That waltz was part of the set he played with clarinetist Yurii Padkovskyi at The Education Center's recent Kaleidoscope concert.

The classical artists offered an intimate and varied concert for attendees at the center's penultimate music event for the season on March 30.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Padkovskyi and Martins played as though they'd been a duet for a lifetime, seamlessly intertwining the lilting dash of clarinet notes played at such a pace that almost defies logic with the soft power of the piano.

They each took the opportunity to highlight classical music from their cultures, with Martins showcasing the works of Brazilian composer Alberto Nepomuceno. Padkovskyi played a waltz by Ukrainian composer and conductor Boris Lyatoshinsky.

The 20-year-old musician performs with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, among a litany of accomplishments.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Attendees showed robust appreciation for the two musicians, especially after their performance of "Sholem-Alekhem, Rov Feidman!"

Those seeking more of Martins' artistic vision can make plans to see Carlisle Floyd's "Susannah," which he is set to conduct for the Sarasota Opera in the winter of 2026.