UA Celebrity Series Opens with Return Performance by Russian National Orchestra Soloists

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s School of Music begins its 2010-2011 Celebrity Series Sept. 23  with a return performance by two renowned soloists of the Russian National Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the UA campus.

Vladislav Lavrik, one of the most outstanding classical and jazz trumpeters of his generation, and internationally acclaimed flutist Maxim Rubtsov will join a UA faculty jazz trio to perform “La Force de la Musique” – a special mix of compositions for trumpet and flute by French composer Claude Bolling.

Lavrik also will conduct a trumpet master class Friday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Moody Music Building’s choral/opera room. Rubtsov will conduct a flute master class that same day and time in the Moody Music Building’s Recital Hall. Both classes are free and open to the public.

The two soloists said the idea for “La Force de la Musique” was born after they had each been the featured performer in the Celebrity Series in 2008 and 2009.

“For our 2010 performance debut as trumpet-flute duo, we wanted to create a program of contemporary and classical music with a broad historical sweep – from Baroque elegance to modern swing,” Lavrik and Rubtsov said in a statement.

The UA faculty jazz trio will feature pianist Pamela Penick, bassist Christoper Kozak and drummer Mark Lanter.

The concert also will feature the soloists along with UA School of Music faculty members Faythe Freese, organ, Diane Boyd Schultz, flute, and Eric Yates, trumpet, in classic and contemporary compositions for trumpet and flute with organ.

Charles “Skip” Snead, director of the School of Music, said he is pleased to welcome the two soloists back to UA.

“They were very well received the first time round, and we are confident that our audience will be enthusiastic to hear them again, with different repertoire and styles,” he said. “They are both outstanding musicians and dynamic personalities and will provide the perfect start to this year’s Celebrity Series.”

Lavrik is recognized for achievements in both classical and jazz performance styles. In 2010, Russian Life magazine called him “Russia’s finest trumpeter.” In 2000, at the age of 20, he was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Russian National Orchestra, the youngest person to hold a principal chair in the history of the orchestra.

Rubtsov’s playing has been called “miraculous,” “superb,” “absolutely impeccable” and “one of the best flutists of the Modern Age.” He is also one of Russia’s best musical ambassadors.

Appointed Principal Flute of the Russian National Orchestra, or RNO, in 2003, Rubtsov has been given unprecedented solo opportunities with the RNO by its founding conductor Mikhail Pletnev and by others in the RNO collegium of conductors.

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.