Pianist Andrew Russo

To Give Encore Concert

SOUTHBURY — Autumn’s leaf display will be complemented by a dazzling display of piano artistry when the Heritage Concert Society in Heritage Village presents pianist Andrew Russo in concert on Sunday, October 21, at 3 pm, in Sarah Cooke Hall in response to many requests for a return engagement. He is a very versatile artist with ability to perform diversified selections, including new works of the 21st Century and electro-acoustic music.

Mr Russo is 31 years old, American born, and was trained classically at the Juilliard School as well as the Hochschule fur Musik in Leipzig, Germany. During those years he developed relationships with important American and European composers, and added live musical performance and theater to his interests.

His career has spanned the globe, with appearances in Paris, Tokyo, Brussels, Moscow, St Petersburg, San Diego, La Jolla and Santa Fe. In the South Carolina International Piano Series in 1998, he first performed his own version of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite with added dramatic readings from Shakespeare. He has worked closely with composer George Crumb, performing his work at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, receiving a rave review from Musical America magazine.

Mr Russo is a prolific recording artist for London’s Black Box Records, with a release of Corigliano’s piano and chamber works that brought forth a statement from The London Times that praised Russo as a “pianist who knows no limits.” Albany Records recently released Mr Russo’s recording of Michael Schelle’s Wright Flight Piano Concerto that was commissioned for him by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra to commemorate Dayton Ohio’s Wright Brothers Centennial celebration.

In France Sub Rosa Records just released Mr Russo’s recording of Canopee, a concerto for two claviers with string orchestra.

On Sunday, October 21, Mr Russo’s program will include Bach’s English Suite #2 in A minor; Chopin’s Two Etudes in C-sharp minor Op. 25 #7 and Op. 10 #4; Stravinsky/Russo’s Suite from “The Firebird”; Mussorgsky/Russo’s A Night on Bald Mountain; Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G major, Op. 32 #5 and Prelude in B minor, Op. 32 #10; and Borofin/Russo’s Polovetsian Dances from “Prince Igor.”

Donation tickets at $15 are available at the village Activities Desk or at the door on the day of the concert. Non-residents are invited to attend the concert, and driving directions with address are available by calling 264-1102 or 262-6510.