Pianists to Contribute to Japanese Relief Fund

BRANDON, MB — Brandon University Associate Professor and internationally acclaimed pianist Alexander Tselyakov, along with his son Daniel Tselyakov, who is wrapping up his first year of music studies at BU, will give a fundraising concert for the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The two musicians will perform the Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16 by Sergei Prokofiev. This work was created by the great Russian composer a few years before the Russian Revolution and it is dedicated to a musician and a close friend of Prokofiev’s who had committed suicide. The language used in this concerto — many professionals claim this is one of the most challenging works in the piano repertoire— is representative of the early 20th century, yet very Russian.

Alexander, who is no stranger to offering his performances for the benefit or in recognition of others, was in New York during the 9/11 tragedy and subsequently, dedicated his recital at Carnegie Hall to those victims. Daniel, who has been learning this piece this year, was shocked at the news of the catastrophes in Japan. He asked his father what they could do to pay tribute to the Japanese people.

“He asked if it would be appropriate to do this and I think it’s a good idea,” said Alexander, who will be playing the orchestral reduction on a second piano for this occasion. “This concerto is extremely advanced. Just playing it, at his age and being a Brandon University student, is an amazing thing. So, this should be a very good, interesting event.”

In June, Daniel, a student of Dr. Michael Kim, will also perform this work with the San Luis Potosi Orchestra, in Mexico. This young musician has previously represented Manitoba in the National Canadian Music Competition, has won numerous awards and scholarships, and has taken part in masterclasses in major Canadian centres. This summer, Daniel will be one of 17 musicians from around the globe selected to work in a special program with Maestro Pinchas Zukerman in Ottawa.

This performance of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16, featuring Daniel and Alexander Tselyakov, will take place at 8 p.m., April 15, in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, located in the BU School of Music. Proceeds from this benefit recital will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross’ efforts in Japan. Admission is by donation.

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For more information, please contact:

Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762

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