Olga Kern

With a vivid onstage presence, dazzling technique and passionate musicality, Olga Kern stands as one of the most charismatic and celebrated pianists of her generation. Since capturing the world’s attention as the Gold Medalist of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — the first woman in more than fifty years to do so — Kern has built a remarkable international career that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

She has performed with many of the world’s leading ensembles, including the Baltimore Symphony, Detroit Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra and Filarmonica della Scala, as well as the São Paulo Symphony and Stuttgart Philharmonic. Her acclaimed U.S. tours with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and Royal Scottish National Orchestra have solidified her status as a dynamic force on the concert stage.

Kern is also a magnetic recitalist, appearing in storied halls globally — from New York and Fort Worth to Slovenia, Sweden and Italy — and major festivals such as the Gilmore Piano Festival, Ravinia, Chamber Music San Francisco and the Minnesota Beethoven Festival. The Connie & Marc Jacobson Director of Chamber Music at the Virginia Arts Festival and a Steinway Artist, Kern also serves on the piano faculty at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.

With a program featuring Schumann’s Carnaval and Balakirev’s Islamay, along with works by Gershwin, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin, this is a rare opportunity to experience the power, precision and sheer artistry of one of today’s most electrifying performers.

This performance is made possible by Marjorie and John Lewis in honor of John O’Conor.