A regular feature on the schedule at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is the Young Concert Artists program that features both a master class and public recital with young aspiring artists. Young Concert Artists is a New York based arts management firm. Founded in 1961, the professional organization's mission is to discover and launch the careers of brilliant young musicians from all over the world. YCA artists are chosen through an audition process where the only criteria are extraordinary talent, technique, and impact upon the listener.
Among the accomplished artists who began their careers with Young Concert Artists are violinist Pinchas Zukerman; pianists Murray Perahia, Emanual Ax and Ruth Laredo; flutists Paula Robison and Eugenia Zukerman; and soprano Dawn Upshaw.
The Young Concert Artists Master Classes offer an opportunity for middle school, high school and college instrumental music students to learn techniques and interpretations from talented young professionals. Selected students will perform for and be coached by the YCA musicians. Other students will observe and learn about their instrument. Master classes are free, but pre-registration is required.
This season's Young Concert Artists are:
Alexandre Bouzlov, Cello
Sat., Nov. 17, 3pm – Master Class
Sun., Nov. 18, 3pm – Recital
Born in Moscow, this Russian cellist began playing the cello at age six. At the age of 14, he was invited to perform at Mstislav Rostropovich’s 70th birthday concert. A graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, where he worked with Natalya Gutman, Bouzlov is currently enrolled in the Conservatory’s postgraduate program. His accomplishments include winning the 2000 Young Concert Artists European Auditions and the 2001 YCA International Auditions in New York. Most recently, Bouzlov was awarded the Silver Medal at the 2007 Tchaikovsky International Competition.
“The first thing that impresses a listener about Bouzlov’s playing is its seeming effortlessness.… He plays with energy and elegance.”
— The Washington Post
Jose Franch-Ballester, Clarinet
Sat., March 15, 3pm – Master Class
Sun., March 16, 3pm – Recital
Born in Moncofa, Spain, into a family of clarinetists and zarzuela singers, Franch-Ballester brings a unique pedigree into the classical world. He began lessons at the age of nine, gave his first recital at 16, and graduated from the Joaquin Rodrigo Music Conservatory in Valencia in 2000. He came to the U.S. to study at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, graduating in 2005. He is a member of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society Two, and also performs with the woodwind quintet Astral Winds. Among his many competitive First Prize awards are the 2004 Young Concert Artists International Auditions.
“Played with technical wizardry and tireless enthusiasm. … A natural on stage, a good looking young man who seems to love playing for audiences.”
— The New York Times
Wonny Song, Piano
Sat., April 19, 3pm – Master Class
Sun., April 20, 3pm – Recital
Born in South Korea, Song grew up in Montreal, Canada. He began piano studies at the age of eight and received a full scholarship to Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Montreal University and continued his studies with Anton Kuerti at the University of Toronto and at the Glenn Gould Professional School with Marc Durand. Song completed his Doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota with Lydia Artymiw in 2004. He claimed First Prize at the 2005 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Song’s first CD, a recording of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Corelli, has been released on the Canadian label XXI-21 Records.
“Song has a wonderfully poetic touch and a rich, warm sound.”
— The Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
To register for master classes, send the completed registration form to:
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
44575 Garfield Road, M-125
Clinton Twp, MI 48038
Attn: Education/Enrichment
Or fax to: 586.286.2272