With L'Ensemble colleagues Ida Faiella, soprano, and Barry Finclair, violin, Lincoln played for a benefit for Multiple Sclerosis, with many distinguished doctors and patients attending who are having miraculous results in treatment of the disease. This inspiring event took place at Cranwell, the magnificent inn in the Berkshires. The following week saw L'Ensemble performing for another benefit, this time for Muscular Distrophy, at St. Mary's School in Hoosick Falls, New York.

Photo by Peter Blandori

Photo by Chris Shields

Lincoln prepared an eight minute arrangement of four Gershwin songs for a concert coming up May 23. It is a medley that the composer took on tour in 1934. However, the music was lost, and there is no recording, so Lincoln had to imagine, and write the arrangement in the style of the period, and of Gershwin's piano-playing.

Saturday night, May 19, 7:30 PM at the Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, the Raritan River Music Festival will present a unique piano recital and dramatic presentation entitled "Chopin and Candlelight." This will feature Lincoln Mayorga as solo pianist, and reader, with actress Nancy Rothman. The letters and diary entries of Chopin and Aurore Dudevant (a.k.a. George Sand), written during the time they spent on the Island of Mallorca in 1838-9, will be read, and the music Chopin composed during this time will be performed. This includes all of his Preludes. Concert presenters, Michael Newman and Laura Oltman, have seen to it that the church will be well lit by candles! Phone 908 213-1100 or the web site above for further information.

On Wednesday, Lincoln will be soloist with the orchestra of Harmonie Ensemble, conducted by Steven Richman, at a free Gershwin concert,  1PM at St. Peter's Church, 54th and Lexington, New York City. Gershwin songs, in authentic arrangements from the period, will be presented along with Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" Variations, and a medley of four songs, arranged by Lincoln. All of this material will be recorded in sessions the following week for Bridge records, in the performing arts center at SUNY Purchase. The photo above shows Lincoln at the piano, with veteran Al Gallodoro on clarinet, having just played a hot chorus of "Fascinating Rhythm" at last year's Gershwin event.

The flyer for the concert is here.