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• Stillman and 3 from N.Y Philharmonic to perform classical quartets March 24

Stillman and 3 from N.Y Philharmonic to perform classical quartets March 24

The Wednesday Chamber Music Series presents a concert of piano quartets composed by Mozart and Schumann, performed by RIC artist-in-residence, Judith Lynn Stillman and three members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, including violinist Fiona Simon, violist Judith Nelson and cellist Wei Yu.

The 50-minute recital will be held on Wednesday, March 24, at 1 p.m., with an encore performance at 7:30 p.m. Both performances will be in the Nazarian Center’s Sapinsley Hall.

"Particularly exciting is the upcoming performance of the Schumann Piano Quartet in E-Flat, as 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth," Stillman said.

Each concert has a question-and-answer session with the artists following the performance. Stillman says this helps to create a bond between the artists and the audience, creating “a real sense of community.”

Stillman was the youngest person entered into the doctoral program at the prestigious Juilliard School of music. She was awarded the Dethier Prize for Outstanding Pianist upon graduation from the program. Since then Stillman has enjoyed a successful recording career with nine albums to her credit.

In a review of an album Stillman recorded with double Grammy Award-winner Wynton Marsalis, the New York Daily News said, “[She] receives equal billing with Marsalis on the cover and deserves it – her playing is crisp and confident.”

"It is delightful that these dedicated musicians are taking time out of their very hectic New York Philharmonic Orchestra concert and touring schedules to join us," said Stillman.

Violinist Fiona Simon, a member of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra since 1985, will join Stillman. Simon began her career in England, where she studied with Szymon Goldberg and won major prizes in the Carl Flesch and Jacques Thibaud competitions. For three consecutive years, she was London’s Young Artist of the Year.

Violist Judith Nelson joined the Philharmonic in 1983. She is a native of Portland, Oregon. As a student, she received the University of Washington’s highest music award, the Brechemin Scholarship where she graduated magna cum laude. She also holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of music.

Born in Shanghai, China, cellist Wei Yu has been the top prizewinner of many high profile competitions, including the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition, Holland American Music Society Cello Competition and China’s National Cello competitions. Yu began playing cello when he was four and made his concert debut with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at age 11 playing the Elgar Cello Concerto.

General admission to the concerts is free. For information on RIC performing and fine art events, visit www.ric.edu/pfa or call (401) 456-8144.

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