The acclaimed Russian National Orchestra performs a range of classic works with endowed pianist Daniil Trifonov Feb. 24 at North Central College.
The performance begins at 6PM Sunday, Feb. 24, in North Central College’s acoustically stunning Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $75 and $65; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Founded by conductor and pianist Mikhail Pletnev in 1990, the Russian National Orchestra (RNO) has become “the most important cultural story of our time” (International Piano) and has gone on to achieve major international renown. Playing frequently in the key capitols of Europe, Asia and the Americas, the RNO has gained a reputation for establishing innovation and excellence as its two primary hallmarks. In 2008, a panel of international critics named the RNO as one of the world’s top orchestras.
The orchestra has made more than 80 recordings for Deutsche Grammophon and PentaTone Classics; distinguishing the RNO as the only Russian ensemble with long-standing relationships with these prestigious labels, as well as additional albums with many other record companies. The charity recording of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” and Beintus’ “Wolf Tracks,” conducted by Kent Nagano and narrated by Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, won a 2004 Grammy Award, the first such recognition for any Russian orchestra.
Guest conductor performing with the orchestra on its U.S. tour during the solo appearance in Naperville is Giancarlo Guerrero, music director of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and principal guest conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra Miami Residency. Recently Guerrero has appeared with many of the major North American orchestras, including the National Symphony in Washington, D.C. His upcoming engagements will include a debut appearance with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin and Norwegian Radio Orchestra.
Joining this exclusive performance is Daniil Trifonov, one of the brightest names of the next generation of pianists. His reputation for outstanding performances, musical insight and expressive intensity has already surpassed the attention he received. He won medals at some of the most prestigious competitions in the music world, including the Chopin Competition in Warsaw (Third Prize) and the Rubinstein Competition in Tel Aviv (First Prize).
In this performance, Trifonov reunites with the RNO, the ensemble he played with at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow to when he won First Prize and Grand Prix. The program will include Smetana’s “Overture from ‘The Bartered Bride,’” Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36.”
The RNO is unique among the principal Russian ensembles as a private institution funded with the support of individuals, corporations and foundations in Russia and throughout the world. In recognition of both its artistry and ground-breaking structure, the Russian Federation recently awarded the RNO the first-ever grant to a non-governmental orchestra.
For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and more, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
