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Virtuoso: The Olga Samaroff Story
Narrated by Frederica von Stade
| Length: | 60 min |
| Released: | 2010 |
A century ago, any American musician who aspired to an international concert career had to first acquire a European education and reputation. So it was with talented Texas-born pianist, Olga Samaroff (1880-1948) who was born in San Antonio and named Lucy Hickenlooper. Stifled by anti-American sentiments against Americans as musicians and Old World prejudices against women in particular, this film traces Lucy Hickenooper’s metamorphosis from obscurity to fame.
Sixteen-year-old Lucy became the first American woman to be admitted to the prestigious Conservatoire de Musique in Paris. Three years later she continued her studies in Berlin. After a disastrous marriage to a Russian naval attaché who forbade her to perform, she fled to New York, changed her name and pursued her dream to be a concert pianist. On borrowed money she hired the New York Symphony and rented Carnegie Hall for her American debut. Other concerts followed and she became the most successful woman concert pianist of her time.
In 1911 she married the legendary conductor, Leopold Stokowski, whose talent she first recognized and career she fostered. The marriage did not survive his notorious womanizing. In 1923, Samaroff became the first American-born piano faculty member at the new Juilliard School. As a beloved artist/teacher for over 20 years, Samaroff launched the careers of many prominent American pianists. Archival footage and dazzling performances create a rich look into the musical world of the early 20th Century and a colorful portrait of a daring and innovative woman.
Sixteen-year-old Lucy became the first American woman to be admitted to the prestigious Conservatoire de Musique in Paris. Three years later she continued her studies in Berlin. After a disastrous marriage to a Russian naval attaché who forbade her to perform, she fled to New York, changed her name and pursued her dream to be a concert pianist. On borrowed money she hired the New York Symphony and rented Carnegie Hall for her American debut. Other concerts followed and she became the most successful woman concert pianist of her time.
In 1911 she married the legendary conductor, Leopold Stokowski, whose talent she first recognized and career she fostered. The marriage did not survive his notorious womanizing. In 1923, Samaroff became the first American-born piano faculty member at the new Juilliard School. As a beloved artist/teacher for over 20 years, Samaroff launched the careers of many prominent American pianists. Archival footage and dazzling performances create a rich look into the musical world of the early 20th Century and a colorful portrait of a daring and innovative woman.
REMI Winner, Worldfest, Houston, 2010
