Pianist Katya Grineva Celebrates Holidays At Carnegie Hall, Today

Celebrating her 16th annual solo appearance at Carnegie Hall, classical pianist Katya Grineva presents an evening of holiday music and virtuoso romantic masterpieces for one night only, Tuesday, December 27, at 8:00 p.m. The Russian native, whose dream it was to one day play at the iconic venue, is the first woman to perform as a soloist at Carnegie this many times. Known for her deep connection to the Romantics, Katya mixes staples by Mozart and Chopin with various seasonal chestnuts. Performing works from her holiday album A Classical Holiday, Katya showcases new arrangements of Christmas classics including Silent Night, Sleigh Ride, and I'll be Home for Christmas as well as traditional carols and pieces from The Nutcracker. (See below for complete program.)

Katya's annual holiday concert is a beloved seasonal event. "Attending a holiday concert is part of the essence of Christmas in New York City," said Katya. "I hope to bring holiday cheer to all who attend." Her playing has been described as having "warmth and seamless fluidity...class and charisma that draw her audience into her music (Dr. Roberta on the Arts)," and "liquid...dreamlike (The New York Times)."

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, Katya uses her talent to spread joy to children. Once again, Katya is welcoming approximately 500 underprivileged children, some from orphanages, and others from community schools, to attend her Carnegie Hall concert as her guests. Katya can be found bringing the healing power of music to children in hospitals and schools in the tri-state area throughout the year.

About Katya Grineva

Katya, known for her romantic piano, has played throughout the United States, Guam, Europe, South America, Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. She is the only female solo pianist to have performed in the distinguished Carnegie Hall Isaac Stern auditorium a record 16 times. A "noted exponent of Romantic repertoire (WNYC Radio)," Katya captures audiences with her breathless, ethereal concerts.

Born in Moscow, she studied piano at the Moscow Music School, and then the School of Music at the Moscow Conservatory, where she studied with Professor Pavel Messner. She moved to New York in 1989 and received a scholarship to enter the Mannes School of Music graduate program, studying with Nina Svetlanova, followed by private coaching with Vladja Mashke, who played a key role in the young pianist's development.

Katya made her American debut in 1993 with a performance of Mozart's Piano Concerto, No. 27 in B-flat, K.595 accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony. In 1998, she made her Carnegie Hall debut. She has been a guest performer in Ecuador with the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra and performed for the Fillipino President Gloria Macapagal and does many charity concerts throughout the country. In 2006, she was chosen to exclusively perform and record the world premieres of piano sonatas by romantic Viennese composer Marcel Tyberg. At the Australian concerts in Melbourne and in Sydney, the audience heard for the first time in Australia two compositions from Tyberg's "Lost" piano sonatas.

She has been awarded the honorable title of Steinway Artist, a special honor from the New York State Shields, and recognition from the government of Guam for her special achievements. Her philanthropic work garnered her accolades, including recipient of the Gusi Peace Prize from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Outstanding Women Award from Ercolano Italy.

She has released eight CDs, the latest one being Soirée French Masterpieces with cellist Byron Duckwall. Katya recently completed a tour of Africa as a guest of the Russian Embassy. For more information, visit katyagrineva.com.