Internationally renowned pianist in 2 special concerts

Internationally renowned classic pianist Roman Rudnytsky. (CONTRIBUTED PHOT)

Friends of the Arts is proud to host once more the internationally renowned classic pianist Roman Rudnytsky in an “An Evening of Magical Music,” at 7pm on Saturday, March 22, and on the following Saturday, March 29, both at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
This Saturday’s program will include the multi-awarded Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Concert Band and Marianas High School Glee Club “Rhythm N’ Harmony”—each performing one piece with Rudnytsky.

The March 22 concert will be open to all without cost. Cash donations will be appreciated to help with the cost of Rudnytsky’s stay, but are not required.

The second show on March 29, 2014, will also be held at the Multi-Purpose Center and will cost $12 for Friends of the Art members, $15 for non-member adults and $8 for students. The program is not part of the Friends of the Art season ticket.

Rudnytsky is an internationally active concert pianist of Ukrainian background whose frequent performances take him all over the world to every continent and places in-between. He is one of the most traveled of all concert pianists who has performed in 95 different countries as of 2010.
Born in New York into a prominent Ukrainian musical family, he began the study of piano at age 4 and gave his first full recital at age 7. He is a graduate of the famous Julliard School in New York and also did additional studies at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland and at master classes in Austria (the “Mozarteum”) and Italy.

Rudnytsky is a prizewinner in 10 piano competitions, including such prestigious ones as the International Leventritt Competition (New York) and International J.S. Bach Competition (Washington) and, in Italy, the “F.Busoni” and “A. Casagrande” International Piano Competitions. He has made numerous recordings in Poland, Australia, and the United States.

In addition to his many recitals, Rudnytsky has also appeared as a soloist with many orchestras around the world. To date, he has played over 45 different works for piano and orchestra with them. A great honor indeed, he gave the British, Latin American, and Australian premiere performances of the recently discovered Liszt “Concerto No. 3 in E Flat” between 1990 and 1993.
He also conducts master classes and workshops for local piano students and teachers during the course of his travels. The settings for these range from universities to small, rural towns and villages.

Rudnytsky, who arrived in the CNMI on March 17, 2014, will also be visiting schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to play and discuss music with students.
Rudnytsky travels at his own expense and donates his time to the community. Last week, he performed in Guam.

Rudnytsky’s stay in the CNMI is also sponsored by Bridge Capital, Hertz Car Rental, Do Re Mi Music School, the Paradise Island Animal Hospital, and Canton Restaurant.

Frank Gibson of the Friends of the Art said he will take reservations for the March 29 program and will designate reserved seating for those who contact him to purchase tickets, which will also be available at the door. For more information, reservation, or sponsorship for the event, call Gibson at (670) 287-7476 or email him at flgibson@yahoo.com. (Jayson Camacho)