K-State's McCain Performance Series presents the National Philharmonic of Russia, British pianist

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Source: Thom Jackson, 785-532-6425, tjackson@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Sara Shellenberger, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Monday, March 5, 2007

K-STATE'S McCAIN PERFORMANCE SERIES PRESENTS THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC OF RUSSIA, BRITISH PIANIST

MANHATTAN -- Upcoming presentations in Kansas State University's McCain Performance Series include the National Philharmonic of Russia and pianist Steven Osborne.

The National Philharmonic of Russia will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, in McCain Auditorium. Selections will include Shostakovich's Festive Overture, Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony.

Founded in 2003 and commissioned by Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, the National Philharmonic of Russia is one of the musical symbols of new Russia. The orchestra is led by conductor and violinist Vladimir Spivakov and is composed of Russia's leading symphonic virtuosos.

"NPR symbolizes the deep commitment the country maintains to its rich cultural traditions, as well as the bold steps it is taking toward an innovative and dynamic future," said Thomas Jackson, McCain marketing director.

A pre-performance lecture will be given by Gary Mortenson, K-State music professor, at 6:30 p.m. in 204 McCain.

The McCain Performance Series will present British pianist Steven Osborne at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in McCain Auditorium.

Osborne embraces a wide range of style and repertoire through his performance of both mainstream works of Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms, and the lesser known music of Messiaen, Tippett and Alkan. He works with major orchestras including the Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony and the BBC Symphony. Osborne's concerts are regularly broadcast by the BBC and he performs every year at Wigmore Hall and at the Edinburgh Festival.

A pre-performance lecture will be given by Robert Edwards, professor emeritus of music at K-State, at 6:30 p.m. in 204 McCain.

Tickets for the performances can be purchased at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain or by calling the McCain box office at 785-532-6428 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Both performances are sponsored by the Kansas Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and the K-State fine arts fee. They also are supported by the Friends of McCain. Additional support for The National Philharmonic of Russia was provided by Mid-America Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support for Steven Osborne was provided by Capitol Federal Savings.