Renowned pianist starts concert series for young performers in Saratoga

Youth musicians perform

Young students of internationally renowned South Bay pianist Jon Nakamatsu will perform a recital on May 17 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Saratoga.

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Nakamatsu is launching a concert series to feature his students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They will be playing an Imperial Bosendorfer grand piano, the only in a South Bay music venue.

“For budding pianists, the most important thing is for them to have performance opportunities to hone their craft,” says Nakamatsu. “Professional engagements are very different than just performing for your school. It kind of transforms them into something more than just students, and that’s invaluable. This is a tremendous opportunity that the church has spearheaded.”

Six students will be playing selections by Debussy, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven and Brahms. Nakamatsu will also perform.

The free concert starts at 7 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave. Reservations are requested to https://bit.ly/4mdyCNi.

Village Preschool closing

The Village Preschool in Saratoga will be closing on May 22, the end of this academic year.

The preschool has served families for over 60 years. It is operated by the Saratoga Federated Church, whose staff said that the closure is due to financial constraints.

“We have come to the realization that this type of program is not meeting our community’s needs,” said a statement on the church’s website. “It has become too hard to compete with universal (transitional kindergarten) in the public schools and daycare centers offering fulltime hours.”

A farewell and alumni celebration will be held on May 22, 5-7 p.m. There will be bouncy houses, balloon artists, a petting zoo and a performance by San Jose musician, artist and magician Peter Apel.

Memorial Day observance

The Saratoga Foothill Club is holding a Memorial Day observance to honor veterans and U.S. Armed Services members. The event is organized by the Foothill Club and sponsored by the city.

The program will start with a flag ceremony at the Memorial Arch in Blaney Plaza at 9:30 a.m. followed by a procession from Oak Street to Madronia Cemetery at 10 a.m.

Former U.S. Navy Dental Corps member Dr. Gary B. Laine will serve as a guest speaker. He is a World War II history enthusiast and Bay Area Honor Flight board member. His speech is titled “Greatest Generation, Greatest Inspiration.”