Concerts with Sebastian Picht, piano, Martha Aarons, flute and Lev Polyakin, violin
Week of December 26, 2026
A native of Philadelphia, Sebastian Picht comes from a multi-generational musical family. He began his piano training with his grandmother, Asya Kalendar. Sebastian has recently presented solo recitals in Iceland and Switzerland, the latter as a representative of the Lang Lang Foundation’s Young Scholars Program Class of 2022-24. He has also given educational outreach concerts as a member of the Foundation, as well as solo and chamber performances in local schools and senior residences under the auspices of Allegro Music Consultants and Temple Music Prep. Sebastian has participated in several music festivals, such as the Curtis Summerfest, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and most recently, the Aspen Music Festival last summer. Sebastian also enjoys cooking, writing, and has a keen interest in politics and issues related to social justice. He graduated with a Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Program in 2023, and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, studying with Professor Alexander Shtarkman.
Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her sixth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2026!
Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.