Martin Berkofsky is a gifted child prodigy pianist. He has spent most of his life, using his musical gift, to raise money for others in need. He has invested little in his own life’s needs.
I have to divulge, he is also my son’s piano teacher. He has been a blessing in our lives. In his head, is a library, a libray of almost every piece of classical music you can imagine, its amazing. Eli describes his playing as “though there are not enough keys on the piano”.
He is holding a benefit concert on Sunday, October 16th, 2 p.m at the Warrenton Presbetaryn Chuch, 19 Maine Street.
From the Fauquier Times Democrat:
Berkofsky returns to stage for fundraiser
BY HEATHER GRAY Times-Democrat Staff Writer
Martin Berkofsky refuses to be sick.
Despite ongoing treatments for esophageal cancer, inactivity is not an option for the Casanova resident and concert pianist, who plans to give a benefit concert this Sunday at Warrenton Presbyterian Church.
“I hadn’t given a concert here in the longest time,” Berkofsky said. “This is a celebration that I’m getting myself back playing again.”
Berkofsky, 68, is internationally known for his interpretations of music by Franz Liszt and Alan Hovhaness and has performed with notable European orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.
The long-time Fauquier resident is well known for his interest in restoring the lesser-known works of famous composers. In 2004, together with his former student, Atakan Sari, and the Globalis Symphony Orchestra, Berkofsky gave the world premiere performance of Alan Hovhaness’ Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in Moscow.
Watching Martin Berkofsky play is not only a joy for ears but a sight to watch! He has had many obstacles place before him in his life, and yet, he finds hope and purpose on this sometimes very difficult journey.
Performing for charity has been Berkofsky’s calling since 1982, when a serious motorcycle accident in Iceland caused him to reevaluate his purpose for playing.
“I had been driving myself crazy trying to make and sustain a career,” he said. “It takes a toll on you…it can turn you into a hard and unsympathetic person.”
“I told myself when I got out of the hospital, I had to change,” he said.
He believes every circumstance, from a previous battle with cancer and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, to his present illness has a larger purpose, shaping who he is today.
“I say, let’s bring it on and deal with it, because it helps me be a better person,” he said.
Although Sunday’s concert is also a fundraiser, there is no set admission fee. Berkofsky hopes to raise money through “free-will donations” and the sale of his latest album, “Hope,” which will also be available at the event.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Berkofsky said of the upcoming concert. “[But] I’ll play just as beautifully for two people as I would for 2,000.”
Proceeds will benefit several charitable causes through the Cristofori Foundation, an organization founded by Berkofsky to raise and distribute such funding.
Sunday’s concert will feature music by Beethoven, a composer from whom Berkofsky draws some of the inspiration for his determination.
While Beethoven struggled with hearing loss and eventual deafness, Berkofsky points out the composer never gave up, and in the end, produced music that offers “incredible beauty and strength to the world.”
“He had to struggle and work hard for it, and that really resonated with me,” Berkofsky said.
In addition to the Moonlight and Pathetique Sonatas, two of Beethoven’s most well-known works, Berkofsky also plans to perform an Opus 79 sonata and an Opus 10 sonata.
Performing for charity has been Berkofsky’s calling since 1982, when a serious motorcycle accident in Iceland caused him to reevaluate his purpose for playing.
“I had been driving myself crazy trying to make and sustain a career,” he said. “It takes a toll on you…it can turn you into a hard and unsympathetic person.”
“I told myself when I got out of the hospital, I had to change,” he said.
He believes every circumstance, from a previous battle with cancer and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, to his present illness has a larger purpose, shaping who he is today.
“I say, let’s bring it on and deal with it, because it helps me be a better person,” he said.
Although Sunday’s concert is also a fundraiser, there is no set admission fee. Berkofsky hopes to raise money through “free-will donations” and the sale of his latest album, “Hope,”
which will also be available at the event.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Berkofsky said of the upcoming concert. “[But] I’ll play just as beautifully for two people as I would for 2,000.”
Proceeds will benefit several charitable causes through the Cristofori Foundation, an organization founded by Berkofsky to raise and distribute such funding.
Sunday’s concert will feature music by Beethoven, a composer from whom Berkofsky draws some of the inspiration for his determination.
While Beethoven struggled with hearing loss and eventual deafness, Berkofsky points out the composer never gave up, and in the end, produced music that offers “incredible beauty and strength to the world.”
“He had to struggle and work hard for it, and that really resonated with me,” Berkofsky said.
In addition to the Moonlight and Pathetique Sonatas, two of Beethoven’s most well-known works, Berkofsky also plans to perform an Opus 79 sonata and an Opus 10 sonata.
