Mustang Daily Staff Report
arts@mustangdaily.net
The Russian National Orchestra, which has been described as “awe-inspiring” and “as close to perfect as humans can get,” will bring its super-human talent to the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center Saturday at 8 p.m.
This performance is part of an annual tradition to bring a world-renowned orchestra to San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Arts director Steve Lerian said.
The orchestra will be conducted by Andrey Rubtsov and feature special guest pianist Daniil Trifonov. Performances will include pieces written by Bedrich Smetena, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky.
Lerian said Tifonov alone is reason to attend the performance.
“He is an absolute rising rockstar in classical piano,” Lerian said.
While classical music may not be in the typical repertoire of the Cal Poly student, Lerian said the performance is worth experiencing. The orchestra won a Grammy award in 2004 and is regularly featured on National Public Radio, so students may be more familiar with their work than they realize. Lerian assured that the works performed — especially those by Tchaikovsky, who composed “The Nutcracker,” will be easily recognized.
“If you’re interested in classical music, or if you’re curious about it, this is a good time to come experience it,” he said.
Anthropology and geography senior and music minor Scott Kjorlien said while he won’t be attending, he appreciates that Cal Poly Arts makes classical music accessible.
“I think it’s great that we have opportunities to broaden our horizons,” he said. “I would never really have the opportunity to experience classical music like this otherwise.”
Tickets range from $30 to $64 each, and Lerian said student rush tickets are available for $10 cash on the day of the show. The ticket office is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and will be open at noon the day of the performance. Tickets can also be purchased on the Cal Poly Arts website.
Hannah Croft contributed to this staff report.