Thursday, November 14, 2024
7:30 p.m.
1900 Building, 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods, Kansas 66205

Join us for the ICM String Studios Concert. Our talented string students will take the stage to present a diverse and rich program, showcasing the broad spectrum and emotional depth of compositions written for string instruments.

Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, piano
Director of Collaborative Piano

Born into a Tashkent (Uzbekistan) musical family, Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich began studying piano at the age of 4. In 1985, she entered the Uspensky Central Music School in Tashkent. In 1993, she started attending a private school for young musicians in Moscow, and that same year received the first prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition in Göttingen, Germany. She entered the Tchaikovsky Special Music School in 1995, and two years later was accepted to the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory under the tutelage of Vera Gornostaeva, with whom she continued postgraduate study from 2002 to 2004. Lisovskaya-Sayevich also studied with Stanislav Ioudenitch at Park University.

In 1996, Lisovskaya-Sayevich received the first prize from the Nikolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition, and in 2007 the first prize at the Iowa International Piano Competition. She was awarded scholarships from the Rostropovich Foundation, the Spivakov Foundation and the Nikolai Petrov Foundation. She has also earned the laureate designation from the international program “New Names,” and the festival “Virtuoso 2000” in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lisovskaya-Sayevich has recorded at the Hessen Radio Station in Frankfurt, Germany, and at Orfei Radio in Moscow.

Lisovskaya-Sayevich has presented numerous solo recitals and has played as a soloist with orchestras in Austria, France, Japan, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Russia. She has participated in many music festivals, including the Bashmet Festival in Tours, France, “Wave 2000” in Japan, International Musical Arts Institute in Maine (USA), Killington Music Festival in Vermont (USA), “Ars Longa” and “Primavera Classica” in Moscow. She collaborated with such renowned musicians as Daniel Muller-Shott, Shmuel Ashkenazy, members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and many others. She now performs extensively in chamber music ensembles.

Victor Diaz

Victor began his musical training in Bogotá, Colombia at the National Colombia Conservatory and he completed his undergraduate studies with professor Benny Kim at UMKC. He believes that completing his graduate studies with Professor Ben Sayevich at Park ICM is a great honor.

He was a winner of The Young Performer Competition from the Colombian Republic Bank. He has traveled and played around the globe with the sponsorship of organizations such as the Colombian Youth Philharmonic, Orchestra of the Americas, and Sphinx Organization. Victor has been part of educational programs such as the Mahler Chamber Orchestra Academy, Allegro Vivo Festival in Austria, and the National Alliance of Audition Support training program. he has been part of orchestras such as Bogota Symphony Foundation, Topeka Symphony, Wichita Symphony, Saint Joseph Symphony.  Currently, he is a teaching artist at Harmony Project KC and a private instructor in the KC metro area. Victor believes in the great positive impact of music on people’s lives. He is constantly attending training from the Suzuki Association of the Americas and other Teaching Artists institutes so he keeps refining his teaching philosophy for a more meaningful impact on his students.

Diyorbek Nortojiev

Diyorbek Nortojiev, a dedicated cellist, is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Cello Performance under the guidance of world-renowned soloist and professor Daniel Veis.

Originally from Uzbekistan, Diyorbek’s musical journey began over a decade ago at the prestigious Glier School of Music in Tashkent, where he honed his craft under celebrated mentors such as Dadabaeva Nigora and Jakhangir Ibragimov. His talent has gained international recognition, notably in 2024, Diyorbek was honored as the recipient of the Undergraduate Scholarship from the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. In 2018 when he showcased his skills at the IV S. Knushevitsky International Cello Competition in Saratov, Russia, and secured 1st prize at the II “Istedod” International Music Competition in Tashkent that same year. In 2017, he also earned 3rd prize at the A. Jubanov International Competition in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Diyorbek has continued refining his artistry through participation in masterclasses with distinguished musicians such as Na Mula and Suren Bagratuni. While passionate about solo cello repertoire, he also finds great joy in collaborating with chamber ensembles and orchestras.

Yi-Shuian Ting

Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Yin-Shiuan began to play the violin at the age of 7, and her passion for the instrument continued to grow over the years. In her native Taiwan, Yin-Shiuan studied violin with Jung-Shin Fang and Geoffrey Yeh. From 2016 to 2019, Yin-Shiuan was a member of the Kaohsiung Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2021, she took the 3rd prize at the National Student Music Competition in Kaohsiung. She has participated in masterclasses with famous musicians like Olivier Charlier, Midori Gotō, and Hu Nai-yuan.

Yin-Shiuan is a student of Ben Sayevich currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance.

James Farquhar

James Farquhar is currently a student of Daniel Veis, pursuing a master’s degree in Cello Performance from Park University’s International Center for Music. He is formerly a student of Kurt Baldwin of the Arianna String Quartet at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Under Baldwin’s instruction, James attained 2019-20 UMSL Artist of the Year with the Rococo Variations by Tchaikovsky. In spring of 2022, he was also named Odyssey Chamber Music’s Performance Fellow, with a culminating solo recital, in collaboration with pianist Peter Miyamoto (University of Missouri’s professor for piano). During his time pursuing his undergraduate degree, James organized numerous community recitals around St. Louis and Kansas City.

He has received invaluable instruction from the likes of the Arianna String Quartet, the Brooklyn Rider String Quartet, the Harlem String Quartet, the Jupiter String Quartet, the Rolston String Quartet, Dennis Parker, Scott Lee, Jackie Lee, Frank Huang, and Shmuel Ashkenazy, among numerous others. James has also participated in various chamber music festivals including the Arianna Chamber Music Festival, Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, Heartland Chamber Music Festival (as a festival scholar from the 2017-2022 seasons), and Chamber Music in the Mountains (Mt. Lemmon, Arizona).

James is a cello instructor for String Sprouts KC, a nonprofit that is specifically designed for underserved children ages 3 – 8, and is a free music education program created to support school readiness. He is also a teaching artist for Harmony Project KC, a nonprofit that provides year round music education for underserved students from the diverse Historic Northeast Community of Kansas City, Missouri. James also aspires to organize grant-funded outreach concerts for underserved elementary schools, hospitals and nursing home communities. James performs on a 19th Century composite cello generously on loan from the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation.

Aviv Daniel

Aviv Daniel is an Israeli violinist, born in 2000 in Jerusalem. He started playing the violin when he was very young. He studied at the Thelma Yellin High School of Arts and then in Buchman Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University with Professor Mila Feldman. Currently, Aviv is studying at Park University with Professor Ben Sayevich.

Aviv took part in masterclasses with the teachers and violinists Miriam Fried, Grigory Kalinovsky, Hagai Shaham, Annie Shnarch, Vadim Gluzman, Dora Schwartzberg, Itzhak Rashkovsky, Chaim Taub and Irena Svetlova. He participated in the David Goldman Program for Outstanding Musicians and Jerusalem Music Center Programs such as Huberman Program. Aviv also played as a soloist with Thelma Yellin Symphony Orchestra on tour in January, 2018. Aviv also took part in “Kesher Eilon” summer course in 2019.

In the past, Aviv studied violin with Professor Matvey Liberman (student of David Oistrakh), Emma Elishov, Mira Masin and Ludmila Ozrizky. Aviv plays on a violin loaned by America Israel Cultural Foundation and is a recipient of their scholarships including the Ronen Foundation scholarships since 2015.

Yuren Zhang

In 2009, Yuren was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music’s Primary School and received the sole opportunity for guaranteed admission to the Middle School. He studied under Wang Hong and Chai Liang. In 2018, Shmuel Ashkenasi recognized his talent and brought him to study with hiim at the Mannes School of Music in the United States to pursue his undergraduate degree with a full scholarship.

Yuren has won first place in the Hong Kong International Violin Competition and the Stradivarius International Violin Competition’s China division, among other awards. He has participated in masterclasses with recognized names such as Midori, Maxim Vengerov, Ivry Gitlis, Zakhar Bron, Vadim Repin, Lewis Kaplan, and Shlomo Mintz.

He has performed across the world in countries such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, China, the UK, the US, and Austria. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kauffman Center, Kennedy Center, Beijing Concert Hall, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and WDR Concert Hall.

Yuren is currently pursuing a graduate certificate at Park University at the International Center for Music under Ben Sayevich.

Ilkhom Mukhiddinov

Uzbekistan-born violinist Ilkhom Mukhiddinov has won acclaim for his high professionalism. His extraordinary technical abilities transmit a fresh interpretation of standard and contemporary classical repertoire. Born in Tashkent in 2001 into a family of musicians, Ilkhom started his musical journey in the Uspensky Specialized Music Lyceum. Ilkhom made his debut with the Uspensky Symphony Orchestra at the age of 7. He also performed with groups including; the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, the Soloists of Uzbekistan Chamber Orchestra, the Turkestan Chamber Orchestra and the Young Talents Chamber Orchestra. Additionally he has performed with Orchestras in the United States such as the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and ICM Chamber Orchestra. He also recently performed with the Springfield Symphony in February.

Since 2012, Ilkhom has been named prize winner of over 10 competitions and festivals. Some of his recent awards include first prize at the Hellam Young Artist Competition, finalist and “Jury special mention” at the Leonid Kogan international Competition, and 1st Prize at the Naftzger competition.

Ilkhom has worked with a number of internationally recognized concert artists and pedagogues such as Miriam Fried, Shmuel Ashkenasi, Gil Shaham, Nicholas Kitchen, Ani Kavafian, Mark Kaplan, Danny Phillips, Francesca dePasquale and Jaime Laredo.

Currently Ilkhom is pursuing his bachelor of music performance at the at Park University’s International Center for Music, where he studies with Ben Sayevich.

Christian dos Santos

Christian dos Santos started his journey playing the Viola in 2012 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the age of 13. He studied at the Sao Paulo State Music School with violists Mariana Costa Gomes and Silvio Catto before becoming a student of Peter Chun at the International Center for Music at Park University. Christian has performed with several orchestras such as the Brazilian National Symphony Orchestra, Bauru Symphony Orchestra, Lins Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the exceptional Sao Paulo State Youth Orchestra, with which he recorded CDs with masterpieces such as Mahler’s 5th Symphony, Bartok’s Miraculous Mandarin, Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta, Claudio Santoro’s 9th Symphony, to name a few. In these orchestras he performed with prestigious conductors such as Giancarlo Guerrero, Marin Alsop, Michael Tilson Thomas, Neil Thompson, Claudio Cruz, Marcelo Leningher, Michal Klauza, Bruno Mantovani, and others.

When it comes to chamber music, Christian had amazing experiences in the Pianosofia (directed by the pianist Cristian Budu), Martinez Quartet, and Sao Paulo State Youth Orchestra String Quartet. He has had opportunities to work with other musicians such as Christoph Hartmann (Berlin Phil), Jon Thorne (London Phil), Shmuel Ashkenasi (Curtis), Ben Sayevich (Park University), Daniel Veis (Park University), the Modigliani Quartet members, etc. Currently, Christian is the violist of the Park Quartet at the International Center for Music and Viola Principle of the ICM Chamber Orchestra.

In music festivals, solo masterclasses, and international activities, Christian worked with artists such as Hsin Yun-Huang (Juilliard), Ruth Killius, Tim Deighton (Penn State), Hong Mei-Xiao (University of Arizona), Rafael Altino (Carl Nielsen Academy)  Antal Zalai, Asbjørn Nørgaard (Danish Quartet), Agata Szymczewska (13th Wieniawski Winner), Antonio Meneses, to name a few. He also worked as guest and side-by-side performer for the New World Symphony, Youth Orchestra of Americas, and Boston Youth Symphony.

Muminjon Turgunov

Muminjon Turgunov is a student of Ben Sayevich currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. Prior coming to the United States in 2019 he studied for 11 years at the Glier School of Music in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with such renowned teachers as Nikitin Yaroslav and Mashkura Kasimovna. In 2018 started working as a concertmaster of “Consonanza” Chamber Orchestra at the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese. In the same year was awarder Diploma for the Best Musician of the Season “Spring 2018”. In 2019 Muminjon participated in the Republican Competition of Uzbekistan and won 2nd prize. In 2020 Muminjon Turgunov was privileged to work as a full time violinist in the “State Symphony Orchestra”. He has a passion for playing violin solo repertoire, but greatly enjoys playing in chamber ensembles and orchestras.

Nikita Korzukhin

Nikita Korzukhin was born in Yekaterinburg. In 2017 after graduating from Ural Music College (class of teacher Tamara Feigina), he continued his studies at St. Petersburg State Conservatory, in the class of Professor Alexei Massarsky Honored Artist of Russia. At the moment, Nikita is studying with Professor Daniel Veis at Park University International Center for Music.

From 2018 to 2020, Nikita was an artist of the St. Petersburg Contemporary Music Ensemble MolOt, with which he performed many world premieres of works by contemporary composers on various stages as a soloist and a chamber ensemble member.

In 2019 he was awarded a certificate of honor by the Russian Music Union for his contribution to the revival of the youth composer movement in Russia and active work for the benefit of promoting modern Russian music on the national and world stage.

He performed as a soloist and as a member of chamber ensembles at such music festivals as reMusik (Saint Petersburg), Sound 59 (Perm), SILK::Road (Hamburg), Ural Music Night (Yekaterinburg) and The International Conservatory Week Festival (Saint – Petersburg).

Nikita is a regular participant in master classes of such outstanding musicians as Marti Rousi, Alexander Rudin, Alexander Buzlov, Wolfgang Schmidt, David Geringas, Kirill Rodin, and many others.

Nikita is also a member of the “Adamant” string quartet as well as the “Anima” piano trio. In 2022 he had more than 30 recitals with these ensembles with diverse repertoire. Performed as a substitute musician in such renowned orchestras as MusicAeterna and Saint Petersburg Academic Symphony Orchestra.

Nikita played concerts as a soloist with such conductors as Wolf Usminsky, Michele Galante, Abulkhair Sagimbaev, Enkhbaatar Baatarjav, and Peter Gribanov. During the trip, he performed many works for cello and orchestra of various styles, from J. Haydn’s classical concerto to S.Prokofiev’s symphony concerto, written in the 20th century.