AJT Connects Pianists to Appear in Concert

This writer’s role at Atlanta Jewish Times involves writing about the arts, events, highlighting simchas and interesting people, even fashion and dining. Let us not forget the role local press plays in connecting the community in many vital ways, most recently finding a possible kidney donor for a local rabbi in 24 hours.

Two unconnected stories by this writer and managing editor Sasha Heller focused on Wayne Freedman (70) and Elias Kremer (19), who were both unaware of the other, and who both volunteer at memory care facilities for dementia patients and seniors. Some of the patients are non-verbal, but they can remember music, tapping their toes and singing along. Both Kremer and Freedman are trained pianists.

Because of these AJT stories, this reporter introduced them, and voila! With the partnership of Atlanta Jewish Times, both Kremer and Freedman will appear in concert, L’dor V’Dor: From Generation to Generation, From Key to Key, at The Dupree at 3 p.m., June 22. The concert is free to those who register and get issued a ticket. Parlor-style seats are very limited, and no walk-ins will be admitted. Ninety minutes of glorious favorite classics and modern tunes will fill the atrium along with some lively commentary by Nancy Jacobson Freedman.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Now a senior at The Galloway School, Kremer, son of Trudy Baker and Doug Kremer, will enter Duke University this fall. He is an example of a young changemaker who took a talent and ran with it to benefit others with the creation of NOTEWORTHE Music, in conjunction with Emory Brain Health. Kremer was also featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Student Finds Purpose in His Passion,” on Oct. 8, 2024.

I think there’s something really special about playing together — multiple generations of bringing the positive impact of music on the mind.

Kremer, who began playing piano at age 5, especially loves to play romantic-era classical compositions from Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy, among others. One of his original pieces was awarded by Georgia Music Educators Association for high school composition.

He stated, “When I started NOTEWORTHE Music to connect student musicians with audiences in senior living communities, respite care centers and brain health facilities, I had no idea I had a ‘twin’ who happened to be 50 years older. Wayne also performed for seniors with cognitive impairments when he was a student like me, which is why I think there’s something really special about playing together — multiple generations of bringing the positive impact of music on the mind. Music has been such an important part of my life, and it’s such a joy to see so many people invested in bringing music enrichment and therapy to Emory to improve the lives of people living with cognitive impairment.”

Kremer has raised $18,000 to date.

Freedman said, “What an honor and thrill it is to perform with Elias Kremer, an incredibly talented young artist. In many ways, I see a younger version of myself, as a teen volunteer performer in my hometown of Buffalo. Since retiring in 2022, my wife and I volunteer at over 35 senior communities. We play classical and popular pieces, with Nancy sharing interesting trivia about the music. Performing has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the seniors, but also for us. We feel blessed to be able to have touched so many with the calming and engaging power of music.”

I had no idea I had a ‘twin’ who happened to be 50 years older.

Freedman began studying piano at age 4. During his high school years, he played at senior living centers as a community service project. After graduating from Northwestern University, and while working in New York in the 1980s, Freedman performed at the historic One If By Land, Two If By Sea restaurant in Greenwich Village. After a 44-year media career, he retired to re-immerse himself behind the piano at senior facilities. His playlist includes light classical works from composers like Chopin, Bach, Debussy, and Mozart, and popular favorites from Billy Joel, Randy Newman, The Beatles, and show tunes.

This concert is performed in loving memory of Susan Caller who succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2024 at age 78. Baruch She Kavanti … “Blessed be our connections.”

For tickets, please visit https://june22piano.eventbrite.com.