KIRILL GERSTEIN
WHEN: Tuesday, January 28, at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton
TICKETS: start as low as $20, and can be purchased online at www.mccarter.org, by phone at (609) 258-2787, or in person at the McCarter Theatre Ticket Office, located at 91 University Place in Princeton
Visit Mr. Gerstein’s website for biographical info, multimedia, and more: kirillgerstein.com
Two seasons ago, Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein served as a last-minute replacement for the renowned Chinese pianist, Yundi. Walking onstage that night, many in the McCarter audience were unaware of Gerstein’s skills. By the end of the night, however, a full standing ovation made it clear that a deeply powerful impression had been made on the Princeton audience. Now, Mr. Gerstein triumphantly returns to the McCarter for a special evening of music on on the Matthews stage.
With a masterful technique and a musical curiosity that has led him to explore repertoire spanning centuries and styles, he has proven to be one of today’s most intriguing and versatile musicians. His early training and experience in jazz has contributed an important element to his interpretive style, inspiring an energetic and expressive musical personality that distinguishes his playing.
Mr. Gerstein is the sixth recipient the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, presented every four years to an exceptional pianist who, regardless of age or nationality, possesses broad and profound musicianship and charisma. Since receiving the award in 2010, Mr. Gerstein has shared his prize through the commissioning of boundary crossing new works by Oliver Knussen, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau and Timothy Andres, with additional commissions scheduled for future seasons. Mr. Gerstein was awarded First Prize at the 2001 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition in Tel Aviv, received a 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award, and a 2010 Avery Fisher Grant.
About the Program
Mr. Gerstein’s McCarter program is an eclectic evening of music including Haydn’s Variations in F minor, Hob. XVII: 6, Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, Brad Mehldau’s “Variations on a Melancholy Theme” (commissioned by Mr. Gerstein with funds from his 2010 Gilmore Artist Award), Ligeti’s Etude No. 4 “Fanfares” and Etude No. 5 “Arc-en-Ciel”, and George Gershwin’s “Somebody Loves Me” and “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
Construction Updates
Construction continues around McCarter for Princeton University’s Arts & Transit project and the expansion of the Lewis Center for the Arts. This will have an impact on parking, traffic, and transit in and around McCarter through early Fall 2014. Stay informed by visiting mccarter.org/VisitorInfo to get the latest construction updates.
