Striking the Right Note

Classical pianist Polina Gubnitskaia performs this weekend at the Timucua White House—along with some very special guests.

            Start off the new year right with beautiful music, courtesy of pianist Polina Gubnitskaia. The Orlando native journeys from her home in Montreal to perform an evening of classical music on Sunday, January 4 at the Timucua Arts Foundation White House.

            In addition to solo works, Gubnitskaia will play various duo pieces with eight young local violin and viola players, ages 10 to 16.

             “It will be a chance for these young performers to play for an appreciative audience, and for me to play pieces that I love in an intimate setting,’’ says Gubnitskaia, 26, who moved to Canada five years ago to study classical music at the University of Montreal. Since graduating a year and a half ago, “I’ve been performing everywhere I can—about two to three times a month. I also make my living teaching and accompanying.’’ Currently, she is the accompanist for an amateur opera company based in Montreal.

            Gubnitskaia says she tries to return to Orlando twice a year and play a couple of recitals when she does. This will be her first time performing at Timucua, the one-of-a-kind house/concert venue/art space owned by Benoit Glazer and Elaine Corriveau.

             “I’m developing an interest in performing in ‘non-traditional’ venues, as opposed to standard concert halls, because I like the closer interaction between audiences and performers,'' Gubnitskaia says. "It also allows listeners to mingle with each other, have a drink and generally enjoy a more relaxed concert experience.’’

            Sunday’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Timucua White House is at 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. Admission is free but donations are welcome. As always, attendees are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to share. For more information, go to timucua.com