Young Pianist Vladislav Kern to Perform at Cal Poly Humboldt

The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music and Theatre is set to host a concert featuring the talented young pianist Vladislav Kern on September 27, 2023. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall, located on the university’s Arcata campus. General admission tickets are priced at $20, while children and Cal Poly Humboldt students with valid ID can attend for just $5. Tickets are available for purchase online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre.

Kern, a Russian-American artist, is recognized as one of the leading young pianists in the world today. His concert promises an impressive program that includes significant works such as Sonata #3 in f minor, op. 5 by Johannes Brahms and Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 by Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged for solo piano by Ferruccio Busoni. The evening will also feature Kern’s own composition titled Dreamworld and various paraphrases, including pieces inspired by Gioachino Rossini and Edvard Grieg.

Daniela Mineva, director of keyboard studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, expressed enthusiasm about Kern’s upcoming performance, stating, “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 he is currently working on a second one. He is an incredible improvisator, and I hope we will have the opportunity to hear his fantastic improvisations.”

Kern’s musical journey began at an early age, with his grandmother as his first piano teacher. He was accepted into the prestigious Central Music School at the Moscow State P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory at just six years old. This early start led to a scholarship from the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation. At twelve, Kern relocated to New York City, where he continued his education at The Juilliard School of Music under the guidance of Professor Y. Kaplinsky. Notably, he received the Van Cliburn scholarship, marking a unique achievement within Juilliard’s Pre-College Division.

Kern further honed his skills in Italy, studying at the Accademia Pianistica Internazionale “Incontri col Maestro” in Imola under Professor B. Petrushansky. Currently, he is a student at the Manhattan School of Music under Professor A. Moutouzkine. Throughout his career, Kern has participated in master classes with renowned musicians such as Solomon Mikowsky and Naum Shtarkman, further enhancing his artistic development.

His performance history includes appearances at prestigious venues like David Geffen Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York, as well as international locations such as La Sala Verdi in Milan and Finlandia Hall in Helsinki. Kern has collaborated with distinguished conductors and musicians, including Leonard Slatkin and Vladimir Spivakov.

Kern’s accolades are numerous; he has won several international competitions, including the Clara Schumann International Competition in 2022 and the Tureck-Bach International Piano Competition in New York. In 2013, he was honored as a Young Steinway Artist. His commitment to innovation is evident in his promotion of improvisation within classical music, which he has been showcasing since 2014.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Kern published his first book of poetry in 2020 and launched his own digital music production in 2023. His current performance season encompasses a variety of recitals and concerts across the United States, including collaborations with orchestras and festivals.

As Kern prepares for his performance at Cal Poly Humboldt, audiences can expect an evening filled with exceptional artistry and musical exploration. With his impressive background and diverse talents, Kern is poised to deliver a memorable concert experience.