Listen to just a few notes from masterful pianist Sandro Russo, and his command of the instrument is undeniably mesmerizing. Excelling in works from the Romantic era, Russo's charismatic phrasing and eloquent approach to melody will be on full display this Friday at Kilbourn Hall. Appearing as part of Eastman School of Music's Fernando Laires Piano Series, the solo artist will perform a recital of mostly French favorites. Selections include mazurkas by Frédéric Chopin, transcriptions of Claude Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" and Maurice Ravel's "La Valse," and Alexander Scriabin's Sonata No. 10.

Russo takes the stage on Friday, October 19, 7:30 p.m. at Eastman School of Music's Kilbourn Hall, 26 Gibbs Street. $24-$45 (discount with UR ID). 274-3000. eastmantheatre.org; sandrorussopianist.com.