Pianist Katya Grineva to Perform 4th Annual Holiday Concert At Carnegie, 12/27

Acclaimed Russian pianist Katya Grineva returns to Carnegie Hall for her highly anticipated annual holiday concert for one night only, Wednesday, December 27, at 8:00 p.m. In what has become a seasonal tradition for local New York City families and tourists alike, Katya's lush, warm, and festive concert is a highlight of the holiday season. Known for her deep connection to the Romantics, Katya mixes seasonal repertoire such as I'll be Home for Christmas and The Nutcracker Suite with Romantic virtuosos by Chopin, Liszt, Gershwin, and more. (Scroll below for complete program.)

"What better way to wrap up the holidays?" asks Katya. "The festive sounds of Christmas carols and holiday tunes inspire everyone to get into the holiday spirit. I hope to bring some holiday cheer to all who attend."

Marking her 17th consecutive appearance at Carnegie Hall, Katya is the first woman to perform as a soloist at the iconic venue this many times. 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 tristate 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.

Katya Grineva | A Classical Holiday
program subject to change

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach/Myra Hess

Ave Maria by Gounod/Bizet

Twelve Variations on Ah vous dira'je, Maman (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

by Mozart

Swan Song by Schubert/Liszt

Concert Etude Waldesraushen (Forest Murmurs) by Liszt

Nocturne in C Minor op.48 no.1 by Frédéric Chopin

Nocturne in E Flat Major op.9 no.2 by Frédéric Chopin

Polonaise in A-flat Major, op. 53 by Frédéric Chopin
Suite from The Nutcracker (arr. Mikhail Pietnev) by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

I'll be Home for Christmas by Walter Kent (arr. Byron Duckwall)

Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo by Manuel De Falla

3 Preludes by George Gershwin