Piatigorsky International Cello Festival

03/23/2020

If you're still sad about the Piatigorsky Festival not happening this year (we know you are), check out The Strad's fabulous digital tribute to the Festival, "Cello Focus." There, you'll find Ralph Kirshbaum, Mischa Maisky, Yo-Yo Ma (age 7), and more. It's all free through April 23. What are you waiting for?

The Strad has put together a digital tribute to the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, including reports on previous Piatigorsky events and a selection of the best cello coverage from our extensive archive, in collaboration with our sponsors.

03/11/2020

The University of Southern California has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, scheduled to take place March 13-22. The University made the decision as a precaution due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 virus and its impact on large scale events and gatherings as well as the travel disruption our artists and participants may experience.

We are heartbroken about the cancellation of this unique celebration of music, held every four years in Los Angeles. The Festival’s 42 meticulously planned events were to be the culmination of three years of planning, collaboration and visionary programming.

“We want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to create this extraordinary festival,” said Ralph Kirshbaum, the Festival’s artistic director, “from the musicians here in Los Angeles to those who were set to travel the world to be here, to our remarkably supportive sponsors, and to the dozens of USC staff members who have attended to every detail in order to provide all of us with an extraordinary, seamless experience. If any reassurance of the warmth, affection and generosity of spirit of my beloved colleagues in the cello world was needed, the events of the past 24 hours have amply provided it. The unanimity of their concern, compassion and encouragement has been overwhelming.”

Among the many delights that would have greeted visitors at the Festival is a very special “Cello Tree,” tracing the pedagogic lineage of cellists at the festival through the generation of teachers that came before them, including Piatigorsky and Rostropovich, to Pablo Casals, and even further back, to the 18th century. We hope you enjoy perusing this remarkable genealogical document. You can see it here: https://bit.ly/33bivIb

Four LA Phil concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall, which were included as part of the festival, are scheduled to take place as planned: March 20 with soloist Laura van der Heiden, March 21 with soloist Kian Soltani and March 22 at 2pm with soloist Ralph Kirshbaum as well as the Colburn Celebrity Concert on March 22 at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit: https://www.laphil.com/

Kirshbaum added, “We hope everyone, not least our artists, Fellows, patrons and enthusiasts, stays healthy and safe. Know that we will look to create another great cello festival as soon as circumstances permit.”

03/09/2020

Our very own Ralph Kirshbaum is one of the members of the jury at the upcoming Menuhin Competition Richmond 2020 in May. As you can see, he'll be in excellent company. We're guessing he won't really get excited about that until, say, March 23.

Welcome back to our series! In this video we get to know our distinguished jury and why they're so excited to be a part of the Menuhin Competitio...

03/06/2020

Festival cellist Jakob Koranyi has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the "best hair in classical music today" contest, arguably in a close tie with Steven Isserlis and Official: Mischa Maisky. It's all subjective...

The PICF is presented by the USC Thornton School of Music and the LA Phil, with support from The Strad and Classical KUSC.

03/06/2020

We want to let you know that, unfortunately, Giovanni Sollima was forced to cancel his appearance at the Festival due to the COVID-19 quarantine in Italy.

But the good news is that we have wonderful artists stepping in to perform in his place.

On Sunday evening, March 15, Narek Hakhnazaryan, a winner of the 2011 Tchaikovsky Competition who has since delighted audiences and critics around the globe, steps in with pieces by Boccherini and Giovanni Sollima.

On March 19, the Evening Recital will now feature the cello quintet SAKURA with a selection from their unique repertoire.

03/04/2020

Wishing a very happy birthday to PICF Artistic Director Ralph Kirshbaum!

Today is American cellist Ralph Kirshbaum's 74th birthday.

02/27/2020

Ask German cellist Maria Kliegel about the gym, and she’ll tell you it’s overrated. Maria likes to stay fit, but a yoga mat or tennis court is usually enough for her.

Even though she was warned not to -- for fear of injuring her hands -- Maria’s been playing tennis for almost 40 years. Staying active and engaging in something outside of music has kept her soul healthy and happy. Plus, unlike the stage, the court doesn’t have rules against screaming out with anger or joy…

On March 15, Maria will present a masterclass, and on March 16, she’ll perform in the Evening Recital with Robert Thies, Pianist, alongside cellist David Geringas.

Festival Info Here: https://piatigorskyfestival.usc.edu/
March 15: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/picf_20_recital_gala_570
March 16: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/picf_20_piatigorsky_festival_orchestra

The PICF is presented by the USC Thornton School of Music and the LA Phil, with support from The Strad and Classical KUSC.

02/25/2020

March is just around the corner — the Festival will be here before you know it!

See you soon, LA! My wonderful pianist Juho Pohjonen and I will perform Poulenc's Sonata for Cello and Piano at the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival on March 18. I will also play Gity Razaz's very cool piece “Legend of Sigh” for cello and electronics. Hope to see you there!
Photo credit: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco.

https://piatigorskyfestival.usc.edu/

02/24/2020

Too excited to wait 'til March? Check out Festival cellist Giovanni Sollima's recently released album, Natural Songbook, from Warner Classics & Erato Italy featuring 19 original compositions!

Preview, download or stream Sollima: Natural Songbook by Giovanni Sollima

02/20/2020

There are still three days left in The Strad's giveaway contest. Enter now to win!

Prize includes The Best of Technique. Masterclass Solo Cello, Violin Virtuosos, The Strad canvas bag and the latest issue

02/19/2020

Some people like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cellist Inbal Segev's family prefers a tour with a bit more history...

Inbal and her family have traveled to destinations like Paris and Yellowstone, but some of their favorite memories include visiting the homes of Bach (Eisenach, Germany), Beethoven (Bonn, Germany), Schubert (Vienna, Austria), and even Holyrood Abbey – the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony – among others!

At this year’s festival, make sure to catch Inbal at the Lunch Series Concert on March 18, where she and pianist Juho Pohjonen will perform the works of Poulenc and Razaz.

March 18: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/picf_20_lunch_series_concert_5702
Festival Info Here: https://piatigorskyfestival.usc.edu/

The PICF is presented by the USC Thornton School of Music and the LA Phil, with support from The Strad and Classical KUSC.

02/13/2020

A sweet from festival cellist Evan Drachman's childhood. Once a year, his family would go across the country to LA to visit his maternal grandfather, Gregor Piatigorsky.

“He had a remarkable connection with children and a magnetism that made me, even as a small child, want to be near him. He never spoke down to me. I didn’t always understand everything he said but I felt special. I remember him taking me out to a fancy dinner when I was about ten years old. We were both dressed in coat and tie. When the waiter came to take our order, I copied what my grandfather was having – steak and potato. The waiter then inquired what type of dressing I would like on my salad. I looked to my grandfather and he said ‘Russian!’ I think of my grandfather often. His warmth, charm, wisdom and wit have a unique place in my heart and mind. I still miss him today and wish we could discuss music, cello and life.”

On March 14, Evan will be joining former students of Piatigorsky at the Film Screening & Panel Discussion to discuss his teaching and lasting musical influence.

Photo Circa '72:
Back: Evan Drachman, Gregor Piatigorsky
Front: Jonathan Drachman, Anton Piatigorsky, Auran Piatigorsky, Eric Drachman

March 14: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/picf_20_maisky_discussion #.XkHLJzJKjcs
Festival Info Here: https://piatigorskyfestival.usc.edu/

The PICF is presented by the USC Thornton School of Music and the LA Phil with support from The Strad and Classical KUSC.