"A bold, sensitive soloist"

Pianist Kirill Gerstein made his Cleveland Orchestra debut over the weekend performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 which, according to the local paper, was the "night's big work...a model of Romantic effusion and formidable challenges". The Cleveland Plain Dealer continued that "Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein, in his debut with the orchestra, proved to be a bold, sensitive soloist with an ability to send piano sound vibrantly into the summer night."

The Plain Dealer critic, Donald Rosenberg, pointed out that "Rachmaninoff ladles so much orchestral soup into the concerto tureen that a pianist could easily be swallowed whole. Gerstein's clarity of attack, judicious use of the pedal and close regard for his colleagues ensured that most of the keyboard details would be heard. The pianist made the lyrical material sing, and his fingers appeared to be unstoppable amid Rachmaninoff's torrent of notes" (read the complete review here).

The review in the regional Beacon Journal (click here for more) commented that "Gerstein went over big with the audience, who rewarded his performance with a standing ovation and cheers".

Congrats, Kirill, for the sensational performance of this mammoth concerto and for your great success with the Cleveland Orchestra!

15 July, 2008

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Kirill Gerstein

Contact: Mark Newbanks or Victoria Just