International pianist will perform at USU
For a taste of Russia, nothing beats borscht, vodka or a little Kobrin.
Alexander Kobrin, a Russian-born pianist, will be the focus of the Wassermann Festival’s fourth concert in the 2006 season.
Kobrin will be presenting his internationally renowned piano skills at the new Performance Hall March 21 at 7:30 pm.
“Kobrin is renowned for his skill and performance. Internationally, he is considered one of the best,” said Wassermann Festival director Dennis Hirst.
The Wassermann Festival has featured professional pianists from throughout the world and invited them to come to Utah State University. Many of the festival performers have lived lives full of opportunities and for Kobrin, playing the piano came very early in life.
Kobrin was born in Moscow in 1980 and began his piano studies at the age of 5 at the Moscow Gnessin Music School, according to walterbeloch.com. He continued his studies and eventually entered into competitions, winning awards from competitions worldwide.
Menahem Pressler, a juror for the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, described him as a “young master.”
According to his biography, Kobrin has also played with many international musical groups, such as the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra of Rio de Janeiro and the England Chamber Orchestra.
Unlike other performers during the Wassermann Festival, though, Alexander Kobrin will not be providing classes to piano students.
The festival, held every two years, has been a powerful way to present great artists to people from throughout the state.
“We hold these festivals to allow pianists and others throughout Utah and other regions to experience these incredible performers,” Hirst said. “I feel that this is one of the best years we will have the caliber of performers we have coming.”
-nebutler@cc.usu.edu