News Release
Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra
Kirk Gustafson, Music Director
225 N. Fifth St., Ste 120
Grand Junction, CO 81501
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2010—Grand Junction, Colo. – The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra opens its 33rd Season on Tuesday, September 21st at 7:30pm in the Grand Junction High School Auditorium. A Classical Conversation begins at 6:30pm in the concert hall.
Internationally renowned Croatian pianist, Martina Filjak, will join the GJSO as guest artist, performing the beloved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff. Filjak is garnering international praise for her poetic passion, galvanizing strength at the keyboard, charismatic personality and magnetic stage presence. Filjak was the first place winner at the 2009 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The prestigious competition is held bi-annually and attracts talented pianists from the international arena.
Filjak debuted in Carnegie Hall in December of 2009 to excellent reviews. The New York Times declared her “a pianist to watch.” She made her orchestra debut at the age of 12 with Croatia’s renowned Zagreb Soloists Chamber Orchestra. She is a graduate of the Music Academy of Zagreb and the Vienna Conservatory. Additionally, she has attended the prestigious Como Piano Academy at Lake Como in Italy. Ms. Filjak speaks seven languages and is both a Croatian and Italian national.
The concert will also feature classical favorites Bolero by Ravel and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky.
“The opening concert for this 33rd season subscription series is a blockbuster! Ravel’s popular Bolero and his orchestration of Mussorgsky’s famous Pictures at an Exhibition, are paired with Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Paganini Variations with soloist Martina Filjak. It is certainly an evening not to be missed!”
Tickets are on sale for $15, $20 and $25 and $5 for students (with ID) by calling 243-6787 or visiting www.gjsymphony.org. The concert is underwritten by Jess and Helaine Cohen.
