Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein named 2010 Gilmore Artist
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One of the most prestigious honors in the classical music field, the Gilmore Artist Award, is handed out every four years to a pianist who has the potential to sustain an international career. Today, it was announced that Russian pianist Kirill Gerstein is the latest recipient of the prize.
The prize comes with a significant monetary sum attached. Gerstein will receive $300,000 in support of his musical and career goals over the next four years, according to the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, which has organized the award since 1989.
Gerstein joins an elite roster of previous recipients of the Gilmore Artist Award including Ingrid Fliter (2006), Piotr Anderszewski (2002), Leif Ove Andsnes (1998), Ralf Gothóni (1994) and David Owen Norris (1991).
On Saturday, Gerstein will perform in Santa Monica, accompanying cellist Steven Isserlis, as part of the Maestro Foundation’s chamber music series. The performance is invitation-only.
The recital is also being given in the Bay Area this weekend, where it is open to the public -- on Friday in Santa Rosa at the Newman Auditorium, and Sunday in San Francisco at the Herbst Theatre.
Gerstein appeared with the L.A. Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall in May. The pianist performed Franz Liszt’s Piano Concert No. 2.
Among Gerstein’s other accolades are a first prize at the 2001 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition in Tel Aviv and the Gilmore Young Artist Award, which he was awarded in 2002.
In a statement, the pianist said, ‘I’m quite overwhelmed by the myriad of projects that this award could make possible.’
-- David Ng and Mark Swed
