University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present University Relations 10-6-1995 Concert pianist Solzhenitsyn brings Beethoven to UM stage University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation University of Montana--Missoula. Office of University Relations, "Concert pianist Solzhenitsyn brings Beethoven to UM stage" (1995). University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present. 13854. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/newsreleases/13854 This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Relations at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of Montana University Communications NEWS RELEASE Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-2522 Oct. 6, 1995 CONCERT PIANIST SOLZHENITSYN BRINGS BEETHOVEN TO UM STAGE MISSOULA - A young pianist who has performed in the most noted concert halls of Europe and the United States will grace the stage of The University of Montana's Music Recital Hall Thursday, Oct. 12. "A Beethoven Evening with Ignat Solzhenitsyn," will be presented free at 8 p.m. as part of the 1995-96 President’s Lecture Series. The 22-year-old son of exiled Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn will discuss the history of Beethoven’s music as part of his performance. "Ignat Solzhenitsyn is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile young pianists in the nation," said Richard Drake, UM history professor and organizer of the lecture series. "He has performed at Carnegie Hall and virtually every major hall on the concert circuit." In the fall of 1993, Solzhenitsyn toured his native Russia and the Baltic nations with the National Symphony Orchestra led by world-class cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. The tour marked the first time Solzhenitsyn had been back to Russia since his father was exiled when he was a toddler. Solzhenitsyn’s penchant for the piano was discovered a short time after his family left Russia and settled in Cavendish, Vt., in 1976. They lived in a farmhouse furnished with an old piano that fascinated the 18-month-old boy. He began seriously studying piano when his father’s friend, Rostropovich, heard him play and pronounced him talented. -more- Solzhen.rl -- 2 The younger Solzhenitsyn went on to study piano with Maria Curcio in London and with Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he also studied conducting with Otto-Werner Mueller. In 1994, Solzhenitsyn won an Avery Fisher Career Grant. Solzhenitsyn has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Orchestre de Paris. He is the assistant conductor of Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra. m Contact: Richard Drake, 243-2981. RM Local and Hamilton Solzhen.rl.