Acclaimed Pianist Vladislav Kern to Perform at Cal Poly Humboldt

The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music and Theatre will host a concert featuring renowned pianist Vladislav Kern on September 27, 2023, at 19:30 (7:30 PM) in the Fulkerson Recital Hall, located in Arcata, California. Kern, recognized as one of the most talented young pianists globally, will present a diverse program that showcases his exceptional skills.

Tickets for the event are priced at $20 for general admission, with a reduced rate of $5 available for children and students from Cal Poly Humboldt upon presentation of valid identification. Interested attendees can purchase tickets online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre.

Program Highlights and Artistic Background

According to Daniela Mineva, director of keyboard studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, the department is thrilled to welcome Kern. She stated, “We are extremely excited to have Vladislav with us. He is a magnificent player, and his program is spectacular. Vladislav is also a poet who has published his first book and is currently working on a second one.” Mineva expressed hope that attendees will experience Kern’s remarkable improvisational talents during the concert.

The evening’s program will include significant works such as Sonata #3 in F minor, Op. 5 by Johannes Brahms, Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 by Johann Sebastian Bach (arranged for solo piano by Ferruccio Busoni), and pieces composed by Kern himself, including Dreamworld. Other highlights will feature Largo al Factotum (paraphrase on Gioachino Rossini) and In the Hall of the Mountain King (paraphrase on Edvard Grieg).

A Journey of Musical Excellence

Vladislav Kern, a Russian-American pianist, composer, and poet, began his musical journey at an early age. His grandmother was his first teacher, and by the age of six, he was accepted into the Central Music School at the Moscow State P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, studying under Professor V.V. Piasetsky. His early talent garnered recognition, leading to a scholarship from the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation.

At the age of twelve, Kern moved to New York, where he continued his education at The Juilliard School under Professor Y. Kaplinsky. Remarkably, he received the prestigious Van Cliburn scholarship, marking a historic achievement for the Pre-College Division of Juilliard. Furthering his studies, Kern spent three years at the Academia Pianistica Internazionale “Incontri col Maestro” in Italy, guided by Professor B. Petrushansky. He is currently honing his skills at the Manhattan School of Music under Professor A. Moutouzkine.

Over the years, Kern has participated in master classes with renowned musicians and has performed at esteemed venues including David Geffen Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, La Sala Verdi in Milan, and the Grand Hall of the St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonic, among others. His collaborations span a range of notable artists such as Vladimir Spivakov and Leonard Slatkin.

As a winner of several international competitions, including the Clara Schumann International Competition 2022 and the Tureck-Bach International Piano Competition in New York, Kern’s accolades reflect his dedication to the art. He was named a Young Steinway Artist in 2013, and since 2014, he has been actively promoting improvisation in classical music concerts.

Kern’s ongoing projects include the publication of his first poetry book in 2020 and the launch of his digital music production in 2023. The upcoming 2022–2024 season features an array of recitals and orchestral performances across the United States, as well as international concerts in Mexico and Europe. Notably, the 2025–2026 season will include performances in cities such as Chicago and San Antonio, further solidifying his place in the international music scene.

This concert at Cal Poly Humboldt promises to be a significant event, showcasing not only Kern’s musical prowess but also his innovative approach to performance. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with extraordinary music and artistic expression.