Urbana’s Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has some exceptional classical performers coming to the Foellinger Great Hall in mid-February, and the variety of these offerings adds another dimension to their quality.
Two of these fine classical artists are University of Illinois faculty, and followers of the classical scene at Krannert will recognize one as a long-established faculty artist and the other as a rising star.
Faculty member Ian Hobson is also the Music Director of the Sinfonia Da Camera, an orchestra formed from the cream of local musicians and students. Maestro Hobson’s seasons are centered around theme concerts, and on February 14th, his theme with the Sinfonia Da Camera is “From Russia With Love.” Already promised for that Valentine’s Day evening are: Prokofiev’s Symphony #1in D Major, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra, with special guest violinish Andres Cardenes (pictured, left). This concerto, per the Krannert website, is “considered one of the most challenging and spectacular works written for the instrument.”
As for the “rising star?” She holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois and she is Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Illinois School of Music, and she is one of the great up-and-coming pianists in the United States. All this can said of Rochelle Sennet (pictured, right), and on February 21st you can hear why she is so special. No program has been announced yet, but as a veteran of her earlier performances, I can assure you her elegance at they keyboard will grace any program from Bach to George Walker. Sennet’s recital is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in KCPA’s Foellinger Great Hall.
Just one day later, on February 22nd, a world-class orchestra will be making its first appearance at Krannert. On this day, the Haifa Symphony Orchestra of Israel takes center stage in the Great Hall. With piano virtuoso Roaman Rabinovich providing the intricate solo work in the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1. Also on the program of Maestro Boguslaw Dawisow are Weber’s Overture to Euranthe and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, From The New World.
Such impressive classical displays in less than ten days are just business as usual during the school year at this amazing venue. If you have not sampled some of its riches, here are some great chances to get caught up.
For further information go to www.krannertcenter.com, or call the Krannert Center box office at 217-333-6280.