His discography on Onyx Classics features acclaimed recordings, notably a double album of Schubert’s final sonatas, which completes his exploration of the composer’s last six piano sonatas. Wosner's innovative projects include "Variations on a Theme of FDR," a suite inspired by a 1938 speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, reflecting his commitment to imaginative programming.
A recipient of prestigious honors such as Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, Wosner utilized the latter to commission Michael Hersch’s concerto Along the Ravines, premiering it with the Seattle Symphony and Deutsche Radio Philharmonie.
CELEBRATING RALEIGH ARTS PIONEER JO CRESIMORE
CELEBRATION RECEPTION FOLLOWING THE 7PM CONCERT
JULIAN RHEE
For fifty years, Mary Josephine Conrad Cresimore (Jo) has contributed to the City of Raleigh as a volunteer, leader and fundraiser for many local organizations. A supporter of the arts and humanities, Jo has served the North Carolina Museum of Art for 50 years and been a leading member of the Raleigh Fine Arts Society for 48 years. During the 1970s she led the effort to convince the Raleigh City Council to establish the Raleigh Arts Commission (the first such commission in the state) dedicated to enhancing the city through art. Among her many fundraising roles, she helped organize the initial art auction to raise funds for what is now the Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina. Jo is also recognized for her efforts in preserving Mordercai Historic City Park and as a Board of Trustees member of the North Carolina Symphony. Her commitment to the arts and humanities led to an appointment by President Ronald Reagan to the National Council on the Humanities bringing national recognition to the City of Oaks.
Paremski & Bailey with honarary event chair Mary J.C. Cresimore
Born in Israel, Wosner studied piano with Opher Brayer and Emanuel Krasovsky, and delved into composition and improvisation with André Hajdu. He further honed his craft at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Emanuel Ax. Currently, Wosner imparts his knowledge as a faculty member at both The Juilliard School and Bard College Conservatory of Music, nurturing the next generation of pianists.
SHAI WOSNER
Sunday, February 8, 2026
2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
SECU Auditorium - NC Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607
$31 ADULTS
$28 NCMA MEMBERS
$20 STUDENTS
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Korean-American violinist Julian Rhee is rapidly establishing himself as a leading voice in classical music. Recipient of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Rhee has captivated audiences worldwide with his refined tone and compelling artistry. His accolades include the Silver Medal at the 2022 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis and First Prize at the 2020 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, where he also received the Community Award.
Rhee has performed as a soloist with esteemed ensembles such as the Belgian National Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony, and San Diego Symphony,
VIOLIN
Pianist Shai Wosner has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional artistry, musical integrity, and creative insight. His performances, spanning from classical masters like Beethoven and Schubert to contemporary composers such as Ligeti, showcase a virtuosity and intellectual curiosity that resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Wosner has graced the stages of major orchestras across the United States, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Internationally, he has performed with esteemed ensembles like the Vienna Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Berlin, and West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.
under the direction of conductors like Leonard Slatkin and Antony Hermus. His chamber music engagements are equally impressive; as a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program, he has collaborated with renowned artists including Mitsuko Uchida and Jonathan Biss.
A graduate of the New England Conservatory, where he studied with Miriam Fried, Rhee currently hones his craft under Christian Tetzlaff at the Kronberg Academy. He performs on the 1699 "Lady Tennant" Stradivarius violin, generously loaned by the Mary B. Galvin Foundation and the Stradivari Society.
In the upcoming Sights & Sounds on Sundays performance at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Rhee will join forces with acclaimed pianist Shai Wosner. Known for his insightful interpretations and dynamic presence, Wosner brings a wealth of experience to this collaboration. Together, they promise an afternoon of exceptional music-making, blending technical mastery with expressive depth.
PIANO