Mayuko Kamio Joins Russian Philharmonic For A Show On 4/3

Under the direction of conductor and violin virtuoso Vladimir Spivakov, the National Philharmonic of Russia is joined by 2007 Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medalist, Mayuko Kamio, in a program featuring work by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Prokofiev at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 3, 7:30 p.m.

Composed of Russia's leading symphonic virtuosos and led by the electrifying conductor and violinist Vladimir Spivakov, the National Philharmonic of Russia is one of the musical symbols of new Russia. As its name suggests, the National Philharmonic of Russia (NPR) is not only a major musical institution, but also a cultural ambassador for post-reconstruction Russia. Created with generous support from Russia's Cultural Ministry, the NPR was founded in January 2003 as commissioned by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The orchestra symbolizes the deep commitment the country maintains to its rich cultural traditions, as well as the bold steps it is taking towards an innovative and dynamic future.

The Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Philharmonic of Russia, Vladimir Spivakov upholds the standards of Russia's great symphonic traditions, while also turning his attention to rarely performed works, 20th-century pieces and compositions commissioned specifically for the orchestra. The great Leonard Bernstein, who presented his baton to Vladimir Spivakov, once declared that the brilliant artist belonged "to the Olympus of Music."

The National Philharmonic of Russia resides at the new spectacular $200 million Moscow International Performing Arts Center, of which Vladimir Spivakov is the President. One of the largest performing arts centers in Europe, this is the first "Palace of Music" built in Russia in over 100 years. Since a core mission of the orchestra is to promote and preserve Russia's cultural heritage for future generations, the Center also hosts Mr. Vladimir Spivakov's International Foundation, which supports talented young musicians in Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

One of the principal objectives of the orchestra is to support young gifted musicians, and to provide appropriate conditions for their professional and artistic growth. The orchestra maintains close contact with the Vladimir Spivakov's International Charity Foundation, which is to become one of the main sources of new artistic forces for the orchestra. During the 2004-2005 season the orchestra formed a group of apprentices-conductors. The brightest of them will be given the opportunity to make a debut in the NPR's concerts.

The National Philharmonic of Russia prepares new programs and performs in Moscow and abroad with Maestro Spivakov as well as James Conlon, Thomas Sanderling, Theodore Currentzis and Vladimir Simkin. The orchestra is planning to invite most acclaimed Maestros (Sir Simon Rattle, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Michael Tilson-Thomas) and conductors who are world famous for their intriguing accomplishments (Antonio Pappano, Ingo Metzmacher, Christian Thielemann, John Nelson, George Cleve, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Sakari Oramo, Ion Marin, Daniel Harding).

During the first two years of its existence, the NPR performed with Krzysztof Penderecki, James Conlon, George Cleve, Okko Kamu, Ion Marin, John Lill, Natalia Gutman, Gidon Kremer, Jessye Norman, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Dmitry Hvorostovski, Sergey Leiferkus, Maria Gulegina, Juan Diego Florez and other fascinating artists.

The NPR has performed in Europe and Japan, toured throughout Russia, recorded works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, premiered H.Shore's Lord of the Rings Symphony in Moscow and Tokyo, and presented A. Rybnikov's Fifth Symphony in Moscow.

In May 2005 the Capriccio Recording Company released the CD and DVD of Isaak Schwartz's Concert for Orchestra, Yellow Stars, recorded by the NPR under Vladimir Spivakov to whom the composer dedicated the work. The National Philharmonic of Russia completed a successful U.S. tour debut with 36 performances in the spring of 2007.

The woodwind and brass sections of the NPR perform with a new set of instruments donated by "Baltika", the privileged partner of the NPR.

Ticket Prices: $35-$50 

University of Florida Performing Arts: www.performingarts.ufl.edu