Exclusive Season Appearance of Cellist Janos Starker at the University of Chicago Presents

The University of Chicago Presents Chamber Music Series will close its Chamber Music Series with a rare recital appearance by cellist Janos Starker, one of the supreme musicians of the 20^th century on Friday, May 3, at 8 p.m. in Mandel Hall. Mr. Starker will perform works by Strauss, Beethoven and Brahms with pianist Shigeo Neriki. Ticket prices are $29 (student price $11, with valid ID. For further information or to purchase tickets, please call (773) 702-8068 or visit us online at http://chicagopresents.uchicago.edu.

The program is as follows:
• Strauss Cello Sonata in F Major
• Beethoven Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 102
• Brahms Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor

ABOUT JANOS STARKER
Janos Starker is universally acknowledged as a great virtuoso cellist and a performing artist and teacher of worldwide influence. He began his studies of the cello in his native Budapest at the age of six, and at age eight was teaching his first pupil, performing in public by the time he was eleven. His early career followed a maturing process that took him through study at Budapest’s Franz Liszt Academy of Music and to the positions of first cellist with the Budapest Opera and that city’s Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1948 he emigrated from Hungary to the United States where he held the posts of principal cellist with the Dallas Symphony, the Metropolitan Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Fritz Reiner.

Mr. Starker joined the faculty of the School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington in 1958, where he holds the title of Distinguished Professor. He was the first recipient of the Tracy M. Sonneborn Award, an honor given by the University to a faculty member who has achieved distinction both as teacher and artist.

Mr. Starker has amassed a recording catalog of more than 165 works on various international labels. His releases on BMG’s RCA Victor Red Seal label have included his first recording of the cello version of the Bartok Viola Concerto, the Dvorak Concerto and Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote. His interpretations of sonatas for cello and piano of Brahms, Debussy, Martinu were nominated for a 1993 Grammy Award. Additional recent issues have come from Delos, CRI, and re-releases from Mercury and EMI. He has recorded for Angel, Deutsche Grammophon, Everest, Laurel, London, Louisville, Mercury, Philips, Seraphim, Star and other labels worldwide.
[PHOTO AVAILABLE]

ABOUT SHIGEO NERIKI
Shigeo Neriki has been touring with renowned cellist Janos Starker since 1976. Together, they have collaborated in concerts throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. The duo has recorded for Dennon, Delos and RCA Red Seal. Their Delos recording of Popper pieces was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Active as a soloist and a chamber musician, Shigeo Neriki has performed with many orchestras in the United States, including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony and the National Symphony (Washington, D.C.). He has also played extensively in his native Japan, Europe and Mexico.

He currently holds the title of Professor of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington and the title of Guest Professor from two universities in Japan - Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo and Soai University in Osaka, where he regularly gives master classes. He resides in Bloomington with his wife and son.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE WEB
For more information about Janos Starker, please visit www.cello.org

GENERAL INFORMATION
This performance will take place at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., on the University of Chicago campus. There is free parking nearby, and the venue is handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities who are in need of assistance should call (773) 702-8068 prior to the event. Further information on the University of Chicago Presents and this season’s performances can be found at http://chicagopresents.uchicago.edu or by sending email to concert-officeAuchicago.edu.

The University of Chicago Presents receives generous support from Regents Park by The Clinton Companies