Russian pianist Natasha Kislenko and Bulgarian-born violinist Chavdar Parashkevov May 22, 2009

First Congregational Church of Fresno presents Russian pianist Natasha Kislenko and Bulgarian-born violinist Chavdar Parashkevov, Friday May 22nd at 7:30 PM.

Admission: FREE, DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE CHURCH'S CASAVANT PIPE ORGAN RESTORATION FUND
First Congregational Church is located at 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd. just south of Clinton. For more information www.pipesonvanness.com or call 227-8489.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This vibrant program of violin and piano music will be pleasing for audiences of all ages. The program includes a great variety of music- chamber pieces and violin virtuoso solos with accompaniment, well known works include the brilliant Polonaise by Wieniawski and newly discovered gems like the beautiful romantic Sonata by Leonid Nikolayev. Two pieces influenced by exotic gypsy violinists - Tzigane by Ravel and Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate, with passionate expression, rhythmical freedom and spontaneity. Also, the popular Flute Sonata by Sergei Prokofiev, often performed in his own arrangement for Violin, will be featured.

Pianist Natalia (“Natasha”) Kislenko has concertized extensively as a soloist and a chamber musician throughout Russia, Europe and the United States. She is recognized as a truly versatile artist for her broad range of experience. On stage, she is frequently heard in solo and collaborative recitals, chamber music concerts, and playing piano and celeste in orchestras. She has performed with many distinguished artists including Sarah Chang, Zvi Zeitlin, James Buswell, Theodore Kuchar, Tadeu Coelho, and Leone Buyse, to name only a few.

Natasha has won international awards at piano competitions in Germany, France, the Slovak Republic, Italy, and Portugal. She made her Carnegie Hall solo recital debut after taking the Grand Prize at theMissouri Southern International Piano Competition at Joplin in 1996.

Born in Moscow, Russia, Miss Kislenko holds graduate degrees in piano from the famed Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, andSouthern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Stony Brook University, NY. Principal teachers included Anatoly Vedernikov, Joaquín Achúcarro and Gilbert Kalish.

Currently on the Keyboard faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Natasha Kislenko previously served atCalifornia State University, Fresno, for five years. She has also been a faculty member for summer festivals at theMeadowmount School of Music, NY (2003) and the Music Academy of the West, CA (2004-present).

Over the years, Natasha has developed a vast repertoire extending from the Baroque era to the present. While favoring her nativeRussian music, she has also been exploring the diversity of the piano styles in the first half of the 20th century.

Bulgarian-born violinist Chavdar Parashkevov has captivated audiences throughout Europe and the US with his sensual artistic approach, sensitivity, and virtuosic technique. Mr. Parashkevov has been awarded a number of prizes from various Bulgarian competitions. These include: Second Prize in "Best Performance of Bulgarian Music" – Varna 1993, First Prize in the National Competition "Svertoslav Obretenov" – Provadia 1994, Special Prize in a competition for the "Best Performance of Czech and Slovak Music" – Varna 1995, First Prize in "Young Talents Competition" – Sofia, and prize for a Bach performance in 1996. Mr. Parashkevov’s diverse career has included numerous appearances with different orchestras. He has soloed with the Varna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Festival Chamber Orchestra in Varna, as well as the Schumen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of Music School "L. Pipkov" in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2005 Chavdar and pianist
Vessela Gintcheva released the CD "Moto Perpetuo". Currently Chavdar Parashkevov is performing as a core member of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestras.

Official Website: http://www.pipesonvanness.com