Naumburg Orchestra @ Central Park

Naumburg Orchestra Maxim Eshkenazy, Conductor Ashu, Saxophone * * * Bela Bartok (1881-1945) Rumanian Folk Dances Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Serenade Op. 22 Jacques Ibert (1890-1962) Concertino da Camera Astor Piazzolla (1921-92) (arr. Ashu) Two Tangos: Tanti Anni Prima & Liber Tango Jules A. E. Demersseman (1833-66) (orch. Ashu) Fantaisie sur un theme original Maxim Eshkenazy, conductor Considered a rising star among today's youngest generation of conductors, Bulgarian native Maxim Eshkenazy has been described as a musician of "vigor and intelligence..." who conducts with "complete assuredness and insight..." The Los Angeles Times calls him "charismatic and exciting." Maxim Eshkenazy has just been appointed assistant conductor of the Pacific Symphony affective July 2008. His current conducting appointments include Music Director of the Bakersfield Youth Orchestra and Assistant Conductor at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. Previously he was associated with the Pasadena Youth Symphony as its Music Director, and served as Music Director of the Music of Changes Chamber Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the American Youth Symphony, and Assistant Conductor of the Herbert Zipper Chamber Orchestra. He regularly guest conducts Bulgaria's major orchestras, including the Sofia Philharmonic, Classic FM Orchestra, Pleven Opera-Philharmonic Association, Bourgas Opera-Philharmonic Association. Committed to the promotion of new music, Eshkenazy is frequently involved in performing the music of contemporary composers. During the 2007/08 season, Eshkenazy shares the concert stage with noted violinist Shlomo Mintz in celebration of the State of Israel Independence Day. He also makes his conducting debut with the Varna Opera-Philharmonic Society Orchestra and returns to the Bourgas Opera-Philharmonic Society and Classic FM Orchestra. Among last season's highlights was a concert with violin virtuoso Pinchas Zukerman and the Classic FM Orchestra, which received nation-wide attention and was broadcast on Bulgarian National Television. Maxim Eshkenazy received his early musical training at the Sofia Conservatory before moving to the United States to pursue a double Master of Music degree in Conducting and Violin Performance at the University of Southern California. He is an alumnus of several world-class conducting schools and workshops including the Pierre Monteux School in Maine, and was awarded a coveted Conductor's Fellowship to the newly established American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival in the summer of 2000. An avid sportsman and licensed pilot, Eshkenazy makes his home in Southern California. this calendar is brought to you by BrooklynVegan