Violinist, Pianist Close Crescendo Season

The Crescendo Concert Series wraps up its 2010-11 season with a return performance by violinist Michael Barta. Barta, who last performed in the series in 2004, will be accompanied by pianist Arthur Houle.

The concert will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles. Musicologist Nancy Rubenstein will give a preconcert talk 30 minutes before the show.

A native of Hungary, Barta begin violin lessons at age 6. He did not come from a musical family, but his parents saw the importance of studying a musical instrument.

"At first they thought piano, but a friend with a musical background said the violin would suit me better," Barta said. "If I later wanted to become a professional, it would be easier. Once I started on the violin, I became very fond of it immediately."

Barta's teachers encouraged him to pursue a professional career in music, but there were many hurdles. Competition was fierce to get into the proper school. "Out of 100 violinists only one would be accepted," he said.

Barta made the cut and attended the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. From there, he entered national and international competitions and toured the world with the Kodaly String Quartet. In 1980, at age 26, he moved to the United States.

"The communist block self-destructed in 1989, but in 180 no one had a hunch that was going to happen," Barta said. "The communist system seemed set in concrete and there were many restrictions on musicians--when, where, what we could perform. It felt like being locked in a box."

After landing in Philadelphia, Barta quickly got involved in the local music scene. He spent the next five years teaching at Central Michigan University. In 1985, he joined the staff at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he currently serves as a professor of music. Barta is also the assistant concertmaster of the Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestra.

His professorship allows him the time to continue performing. "I play 50 to 60 concerts a year," he said.

On Sunday he will perform with Arthur Houle, professor of music and director of keyboard studies at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO. Houle had a different musical background from Barta.

There were five pianos in Houle's childhood home and many other musical instruments. "I was 7 years old when I started playing piano," he said. "My older brother was already playing piano, and I wanted to be like him."

Houle's destiny was written at a young age. "I remember my brother telling me when we were kids that I was going to be a college professor," he said. "I always knew I was going to be in music."

An expert in classical and jazz, Houle is in his sixth year teaching at Mesa State. He met Barta while interviewing for a job at SIU in 2004. They have performed as guest artists for each other throughout the years.

"When Crescendo invited me back for this year I thought it would be a good opportunity for another collaboration with Dr. Houle," Barta said.

The duo will perform a mix of music by classic and contemporary composers, including one piece by Houle called "In Memory of John Lennon."

"I wrote a bittersweet piece after the night John Lennon was shot. I had been roaming the streets until 4 a.m.," Houle said.

Tickets for Michael Barta and Arthur Houle cost $15 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door.