Lola Astanova and Jahja Ling Headline at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center Tonight

Classical pianist virtuoso, Lola Astanova, will bring her unique style, emotional depth and dramatic stage presence back to the Big Apple for a night of symphonic enchantment presented by event partner, luxury Swiss watch manufacturer, Ulysse Nardin, tonight, January 23 at 7:30pm. Accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York's greatest American Orchestra, Astanova will perform Tchaikowsky: Piano Concerto #1 and Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto #2. She is the only pianist virtuoso, since Van Cliburn, to play these two piano concertos consecutively in 15 years-making this one of her most anticipated performances.

The concert will feature San Diego Symphony's music director and renowned virtuoso conductor, Jahja Ling, who will conduct this exciting and one-of-a-kind program. Astanova and Ling have consistently collaborated throughout the 2012 season, just as he has done with the esteemed Chinese pianist, Lang Lang. They are scheduled to continue their artistic collaboration throughout the 2013 season which includes a performance of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in Palm Beach with the Palm Beach Symphony on March 28. Astanova first began working with Jahja Ling in Palm Beach where she performed Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto at the Kravis Center and continued with a sold-out performance in August with the San Diego Symphony. Ling's distinguished career as an internationally renowned conductor has earned him world-wide acclaim for his musical integrity and depth of expression.

"I am honored to be collaborating with Lola at the prestigious Alice Tully Hall," said Ling. "There's a refreshing spark that Lola brings into the classical music world-her unique and passionate playing style embodies the essence of great pianists from the past. It is a pleasure to be continuing to perform with her."

Astanova made her Carnegie Hall debut in January 2012 in a special Tribute to Horowitz, chaired by Donald Trump and hosted by Julie Andrews, to a sold out crowd of 3,000 people. Following the concert, she received the prestigious Vladimir Horowitz Distinguished Artist Award. In May of 2012, Astanova was honored to be invited to perform at the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony for legendary pianist Byron Janis at Lincoln Center, which culminated in a spectacular 4 hand performance between Janis and Astanova.

To purchase tickets, please visit Lincoln Center's website at www.lincolncenter.org.

Lola Astanova began playing the piano at age 6 and studied at the Moscow Conservatory. She developed her superb piano technique under the guidance of renowned Russian classical pianist, and professor of the Moscow State Conservatory Lev Naumov, the "Godfather of the Russian piano school" who noted Astanova's ability as a "rare and truly ingenious" pianist, adding that "Chopin performed by Lola is simply outstanding." Today, the pianist who plays like the virtuosos of the past and looks like a supermodel continues to change the face of classical music. She has built a global following via interactive social media networks. With millions of views, Lola's online videos are among the most watched virtuoso performances in the world, and her own original piano transcriptions of modern music are attempted by thousands of pianists. Lola will embark on an Australian tour alongside the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Symphony Orchestra's Conductor Laureate Gerard Schwarz , beginning in October 2013. For more information, please go to www.lolaastanova.com .

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