Violinist Maxim Vengerov and pianist Polina Osetinskaya join the Nazareth University Symphony for a special one-night performance, Nov. 21
Renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov and piano prodigy Polina Osetinskaya join the Nazareth University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of maestro Raúl Munguía, for a once-in-a-generation concert at Nazareth’s Glazer Music Performance Center’s Beston Hall on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The one-night-only performance, presented by Dawn Lipson & Nazareth University’s School of Music, is a Nazareth Changemaker Series concert and showcases the passion and virtuosity of these world-celebrated artists as they play Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The concert will also feature the world premiere of “Entering the Atmosphere” (2024, ca.8’) by Nazareth School of Music composition student Maxwell Ruscio ‘24. Tickets can be purchased online from the Nazareth Arts Center Box Office. Contact the Box Office for more information at 585-389-2068 or boxoffice@naz.edu.
“This concert marks Vengerov and Polina’s first appearance in Rochester, New York,” says Raúl Munguía, music director and conductor of the Nazareth University Symphony Orchestra. “This event will undoubtedly mark a pivotal moment for our program.” Renowned for his profound interpretations and dazzling technique, Vengerov's artistry perfectly complements Osetinskaya's emotive and nuanced playing. Together, they create an unforgettable musical dialogue, captivating audiences with their seamless interplay and profound musicality. Vengerov and Osetinskaya performed together at Carnegie Hall in 2022 and 2023 to rave reviews.
In addition to performing the concert, Vengerov and Polina will spend three additional days at Nazareth’s School of Music, teaching master classes for the violin and piano studios. Munguía says opportunities like this are rare for students. Nazareth’s School of Music also is offering middle and high school orchestra students the chance to attend a master class free of charge, as part of the School of Music’s community outreach efforts on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 12:30 p.m.
Universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians, and often referred to as the greatest living string player today, Grammy award winner Vengerov also enjoys international acclaim as a conductor and is one of the most in-demand soloists. Born in 1974, he began his career as a solo violinist at the age of 5, and won the Henryk Wieniawski and Carl Flesch international competitions at ages 10 and 15, respectively. In the last few seasons, Vengerov has performed as a soloist and/or conductor with all major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic; Berlin Philharmonic; London Symphony Orchestra; BBC Symphony Orchestra; Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra (Russia); Chicago, Montreal, and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, and toured extensively around the world in recital. Maxim Vengerov’s full bio.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Polina Osetinskaya began her career at the age of 6 and soon was regarded as a wunderkind in the former Soviet Union, at the same time as contemporary Maxim Vengerov. At 7, she entered the Central School of Music of the Moscow Conservatoire and later continued her studies at the Leningrad Conservatoire under teacher Marina Wolf and later at the Moscow Conservatory under the famed Vera Gornostaeva. Osetinskaya has performed on most major stages, including Vienna’s Musikverein, London’s Barbican Center, and Rome’s Teatro Argentina, as well as in Italy, Germany, Poland, the United States, Russia, and Israel. Polina Osetinskaya’s full bio.
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Maxim Vengerov by Benjamin Ealovega, Polina Osetinskaya by Elena Poliakova