FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ellen McDonald
816.213.4355
Ellen@mershonandmcdonald.com

Park ICM’s Annual Concert “Stanislav & Friends” Features an Unusual “Side by Side” of Masters and their Protégés on the Same Stage

 The first act will feature the collaboration of all ICM Studio Masters with their students, performing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s enchanting “Serenade for Strings Op.28.”. The grand finale will witness Program Founder and Artistic Director Stanislav Ioudenitch alongside his protégé and ICM Artist in Residence Behzod Abduraimov, in a performance of Francis Poulenc’s captivating “Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra.” 

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 19, 2023) –  Stanislav Ioudenitch, Founder and Artistic Director of Park International Center for Music, is thrilled to announce the details of this year’s highly anticipated Stanislav & Friends concert. Taking place at the Kauffman Center on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Helzberg Hall, this annual musical extravaganza promises an unforgettable evening of classical excellence.

“We’re producing an evening of music not to be matched in Kansas City,” said Ioudenitch. “We know we must create a concert event like no other where the audience leaves saying, ‘WOW! That was amazing!’” 

“This year’s extraordinary showcase exemplifies the pinnacle of musical collaboration, uniting our talented Studio Masters, students, and esteemed guest artists,” says Lisa Hickok, Executive Director, Park International Center for Music. “Witnessing our brilliant students alongside their dedicated mentors is a testament to the exceptional caliber of the talent nurtured at Park ICM. Our entire team’s passion, dedication, and remarkable skill promise to deliver a performance that transcends expectations, offering a glimpse into the bright future of classical music. Our audience is in for an unforgettable night!” 

Solo musicians for Stanislav & Friends 2024 include:

• Stanislav Ioudenitch, Piano – Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, Park ICM Founder and Director Park ICM Piano Studio.
• Behzod Abduraimov, Piano – London International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, protégé of Stanislav Ioudenitch and Artist in Residence, Park ICM.
• Mikhail Voskresensky, Piano – Prize-winner of four international piano competitions including the first Van Cliburn in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Daniel Veis, Cello – International Tchaikovsky Cello Competition Medalist and Director Cello Studio at Park ICM.
• Ben Sayevich, Violin – Recipient of the American-Israeli Cultural Foundation Award and Director of Violin Studio at Park ICM. 
• Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, Piano – Gold Medal Chopin International Piano Competition, Collaborative Piano Director Park ICM.

Three items of particular note on this year’s program:

1. Unprecedented Collaboration:
In a groundbreaking performance, Park ICM’s distinguished faculty and exceptionally talented students unite to perform together on the same stage. This rare side-by-side collaboration creates an unparalleled synergy rarely seen on stage. The ensemble will enchant audiences with their rendition of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings Op.28, in a testament to the institute’s dedication to musical excellence and nurturing emerging talents.

2. Maestro Mikhail Voskresensky’s Return:
Park ICM is thrilled to welcome back maestro Mikhail Voskresensky, a Ukrainian-born pianist celebrated in the Romantic tradition who made international news in 2022. Trained by the legendary Lev Oborin, winner of the First International Chopin Piano Competition, Voskresensky gained global acclaim in the USSR in the 1960s. However, when he refused KGB assistance during an international tour, the tour was suddenly canceled and 13 years passed before he was permitted to tour the West again. After rising to be head of the piano program at the Moscow Conservatory, Voskresensky defected to the United States just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and now lives in New York City. Mr. Voskrsensky joins Stanislav Ioudenitch and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Bruce Sorrell to play “Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat major, K. 365/316a” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791).

3. Grand Finale with Stanislav & Behzod:
In its short history, Stanislav & Friends has become known for leaving audiences wanting more, especially through Ioudenitch’s ability to program a great BIG FINISH. 2024 will conclude with an unforgettable pairing as two virtuosos, Stanislav Ioudenitch and Behzod Abduraimov, come together to perform Francis Poulenc’s captivating Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra. 

Francis Poulenc, a prominent figure in 20th-century French music, composed his Concerto in 1932. This delightful piece is a testament to Poulenc’s unique style, characterized by its harmonically rich and colorful melodies, infused with wit, charm, and lyricism. The concerto features an enchanting interplay between the two pianos, engaging in a lively and expressive musical dialogue throughout the work. Poulenc’s inventive use of both pianos offers a delightful sense of camaraderie and playfulness, providing an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. It remains one of his most celebrated pieces and will be a captivating end to this fifth annual celebration.

The full repertoire of Stanislav & Friends includes:

Piano quartet in G minor op. 25 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

1. Allegro
2. Intermezzo- Allegro (ma non troppo)
3. Andante con moto
4. Rondo alla Zingarese- Presto

Ben Sayevich, Violin
Peter Chun, Viola
Daniel Veis, Cello
Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, Piano

Serenade for Strings Op.28 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

1. Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo — Allegro moderato
2. Valse: Moderato — Tempo di valse
3. Élégie: Larghetto elegiac
4. Finale (Tema russo): Andante — Allegro con spirito

Park ICM Orchestra
Side by Side Faculty and Students

Intermission

Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat major, K. 365/316a by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Rondo

Mikhail Voskresensky, Piano
Stanislav Ioudenitch, Piano
Bruce Sorrell, Conductor
The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra

Concerto for Two Pianos in D minor, FP 61 by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)

1. Allegro ma non troppo
2. Larghetto
3. Allegro molto

Behzod Abduraimov, Piano
Stanislav Ioudenitch, Piano
Bruce Sorrell, Conductor
The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra

Photos and Digital Assets

Visit https://icm.Park.edu/events-performances/ for more information about Park ICM’s 2023-2024 performance season. High-res photos can be found at Park ICM 23-24 Season dropbox. Additional press questions can be directed to Ellen McDonald at 816-213-4355 or ellen@mershonandmcdonald.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Ticket information and Student Discounts

Tickets for Stanislav & Friends at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, March 8, 7:00 p.m., range from $7.50 (for students with ID) to $50.  Kauffman Center fees additional.

For Single Tickets, Visit:

https://tickets.kauffmancenter.org/21859

Parking 

Self or valet parking is available with purchase through the Kauffman Center. 

Social Media

Receive updates by joining Park ICM Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ICMPark/, @ICMPark on Instagram and following @ICM_Park on Twitter.

ABOUT PARK INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR MUSIC – Park ICM was established (ICM.Park.Edu) at Park University in 2003. This All-Steinway School trains and educates the next generation of accomplished musicians in a focused and creative atmosphere with an international faculty of renowned excellence. Park ICM offers degree, certificate, and diploma programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Our courses of study are focused in the areas of performance in violin, viola, cello, and piano. At the core of all ICM programs is one-on-one studio instruction providing vital interactions between the student and master faculty, now in its 21st season. This extremely exclusive music academy selects just 30 students each year to study in the historic European apprenticeship tradition. Each student receives individual studio instruction twice weekly. Park’s amazing campus provides focused and uninterrupted practice time 24-hours daily in a serene and extremely supportive environment. The international faculty’s incredible network of acquaintances throughout the world provides for master classes with renowned guest artists in each performance degree. The European tradition demands public concerts as part of student training that creates performances alongside faculty in sublime intimate concerts throughout Kansas City. Ultimately, the Park ICM master faculty mentors inspiring apprentice musicians and trains them in music and performance. The master faculty also coaches musicianship and career development so that the students will become award-winning musicians, traveling the world and entertaining the most discerning music lovers across all continents. 

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Please direct all media inquiries to Ellen McDonald
816-213-4355 or ellen@mershonandmcdonald.com.