Chicago Sister Cities Hosts Reception for Russian Musicians Spivakov and Kern
Chicago, IL, February 22, 2012 – On Feb. 19, the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International hosted an elegant pre-performance reception for internationally renowned Russian musicians Vladimir Spivakov and Olga Kern at Symphony Center.
“Mr. Spivakov is one of the most acclaimed musicians in the world, especially among Russian musicians,” said Aleksandra Efimova, co-chair of the Moscow Committee. “We always eagerly await his return to Chicago.”
More than 150 distinguished guests attended the event, held at the Club Room at Symphony Center. Guests enjoyed sparkling champagne in front of a roaring fireplace as the sun was setting on a spectacular view of Michigan Avenue.
Ms. Kern greeted the guests warmly and said it was a delight to meet so many Americans who have a passion for the arts.
After the reception, guests attended the concert at Symphony Center, which featured a varied program that included Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Stravinsky’s “Suite Italienne,” and works by Pärt and Franck.
Serge Biberman, an attorney with Enterprise Law Group, LLC, said it was wonderful to meet Kern at the reception. “It was especially great because she was there in a very small setting and then 10 minutes later you saw her on stage with one of the most famous violinists in the world,” he said.
The event was sponsored by Dennis S. Gregor; Ameriprise Financial, Maestro Artist Management and The Russian American Cultural Heritage Center.
“I am so pleased to be able to introduce Russian artists to American audiences,” said Aleksandra Efimova, co-chair of the Moscow Committee. “I hope that these kinds of personal interactions help build bridges of support and understanding between both countries.”
About the Artists
Vladimir Spivakov is the Artistic Director of the National Philharmonic of Russia. One of the most acclaimed violin virtuosos in the world, Mr. Spivakov has performed as soloist with the most important international orchestras, and critics praise him for his deep insight into composers’ intentions and his refined artistry and intelligence. Performing for over three decades, he has been one of the most acclaimed violin virtuosos of our time. The New York Times said “His playing is not only extraordinarily persuasive, even exhilarating on a purely technical level, but bespeaks a refined and probing musical mind.”
Olga Kern is a striking young pianist who was the Russian Gold Medal winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. She made her New York City debut in Carnegie’s Zankel Hall in May 2004. Ever since, her vivid stage presence and extraordinary technique have captivated audiences and critics around the world. Her Chopin Sonatas CD was released in 2010. The Washington Post said: “Kern’s musicality radiates off the stage and saturates the hall, and it is joyously alive, immediately communicative, fragrantly sensual, and almost visual in its intensity.”
About Chicago Sister Cities International
Chicago Sister Cities International coordinates programs and projects with Chicago’s 28 sister cities and is committed to promoting Chicago as a global city, developing international partnerships and networks, and sharing best practices on a city-to-city basis. Since its inception in 1960, Chicago Sister Cities International has built bridges between the people of Chicago and its international neighbors to achieve greater mutual understanding and to strengthen civic, economic, and cultural ties. Chicago has been a sister city with Moscow since 1997. The Moscow Committee is chaired by Aleksandra Efimova and Bob Langolis.
For more information on the event, please contact:
Lauren Heist
Sharp Pencil Marketing
847-868-3653
Lauren@sharppencilmarketing.com
Photos by: Michael Shur, Kontinent Media
