UA Celebrity Series Opens with Russian Flutist Maxim Rubtsov

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s School of Music begins its 2009-2010 Celebrity Series Oct. 6 with a performance by renowned Russian flutist Maxim Rubtsov at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the UA campus.

Accompanying Rubtsov during his performance will be Dr. Pamela Penick, a UA instructor, on piano, and also dancers from the UA department of theatre and dance.

Rubtsov, who arrived in the United States this week to kick off a five-state tour, said he is looking forward to the collaboration.

“For me this program is very unique,” he said, adding that this is the first time he has worked with a university dance program.

Rubtsov also will conduct a flute master class Monday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Concert Hall that is free and open to the public.

One of the goals Rubtsov said he set for his U.S. tour was to introduce as much Russian music as possible into his concerts, as well as his own favorite pieces. For the concert at UA, he said the audience will be treated with an extra piece of music especially for them.

Rubtsov was appointed principal flute of the Russian National Orchestra in 2003. The 32-year-old’s playing has been called “virtually faultless” and his technique described as “stellar.” Rubtsov also regularly performs in chamber ensembles and is the leader and a founding member of the Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet.

Penick said it’s an honor to accompany a musician who is so well-known in his country and is garnering an international reputation, as well.

“To be able to collaborate with a musician of his stature is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Penick, who teaches classical piano and music management classes at UA and also serves as the executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa. “I hope our southern hospitality will embrace him and make him want to come back.”

Sarah M. Barry, UA assistant professor of dance, and Rita Snyder, associate professor of dance, both in the department of theatre and dance, choreographed the dance portions of the concert.

Barry said the three student dancers are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with a live musician.

“So much of what we do is just recorded music, so this is really exciting for them to feed off the energy of each other as performers on stage together,” she said.

Celebrity Series subscriptions are $72 and $55. Single ticket prices are $22, $15 and $7 for students. All concerts take place in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the UA campus. For ticket information, or an immediate credit card purchase, phone the School of Music Box Office at 205/348-7111.

UA’s School of Music is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.