Phillips Center to host National Philharmonic of Russia with pianist Olga Kern

March 26, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Olga Kern made history in 2001 when she was awarded the gold medal at the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Kern was the first woman in more than 30 years to win the coveted piano competition held in Forth Worth, Texas.

Since her auspicious beginnings, Kern has toured the United States, Europe and Russia, earning acclaim from critics and captivating audiences with her passionately confident musicianship and vivid stage presence. Kern has performed with the legendary Boston Pops and at the Kennedy Center with noted soloist Renée Fleming. She also has performed with the Warsaw Philharmonic, the Czech Philharmonic, the Utah Symphony and the Taipei Symphony.

The National Philharmonic of Russia is one of the musical symbols of new Russia. Composed of Russia’s leading symphonic virtuosos, the NPR is led by conductor and violinist Vladimir Spivakov. The NPR acts as a cultural ambassador for post-reconstruction Russia. Under Spivakov’s direction, the NPR upholds Russia’s great symphonic traditions while simultaneously turning their attention to rarely performed works, 20th-century pieces and compositions commissioned specifically for the orchestra.

The great Leonard Bernstein, who presented his baton to Vladimir Spivakov, once declared that the brilliant artist belonged “to the Olympus of Music.” Besides his conducting credits, Spivakov is also a prominent violinist. He has performed in all of the major musical capitals of the world and has guest conducted with a number of renowned orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Spivakov is also the founder, conductor and violin soloist of the Moscow Virtuosi, which, under his leadership, has grown into one of the world’s leading chamber ensembles.

The National Philharmonic of Russia will perform the “Romeo and Juliet Overture” by Tchaikovsky; “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” by Rachmaninov; and “Symphonic Dances” by Rachmaninov. The performance will be held at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on April 9.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-2787 or 800-905-2787 or by calling Ticketmaster at 904-353-3309. Orders may be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Student Union and all Ticketmaster outlets; and on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Phillips Center Box Office is from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and two hours before performances.