<<  -- 2 --  Ted Kendall    DEVOTION TO PERFORMANCE

In recent seasons, Sakharova has added numerous other international competition wins to her resumé, and toured with several first-class orchestras. But her much-anticipated New York recital début could potentially open even more doors for the young performer, and she will join pianist Louis Menendez in a program of Strauss, J S Bach and Tchaikovsky.

'I chose the pieces for this program very carefully, because each of them means something to me on a personal level and evokes certain special memories for me. The repertoire is also of an international character, paralleling my own musical career thus far, which has taken me from Russia throughout Europe and North America.'

In addition to the honored repertoire staples on the upcoming program, Sakharova will also unveil the world première of Ampersand by award-winning contemporary composer, Sean Hickey. 'I first became acquainted with Sean's music when I collaborated in the recording of his new record, Left at the Fork in the Road. I decided to commission a piece from him because I believe his music is both interesting and fresh. There are many new composers, but the music is not always very good. I find Sean's music to be very appealing because it possesses a special character that truly speaks to audiences. Also, Ampersand embodies certain Slavic and Eastern European elements, which speak to me culturally.'

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