Young Pianist Thrust Into Elite Group

The New York Times ^ | January 6, 2010 | DANIEL J. WAKIN

[sitetest]

Odd, the pianist Kirill Gerstein thought. A music critic from Houston was coming to interview him in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Gerstein’s manager had arranged the meeting, at the Omni Hotel’s J bar, to coincide with a run of concerts last November. Might as well meet the writer, the pianist thought.

Kirill Gerstein, a naturalized American citizen of Russian origin, is the latest recipient of the $300,000 Gilmore Artist Award.

But instead of a critic waiting at the bar, it was the man from the Gilmore festival. And in his hand was an envelope proclaiming Mr. Gerstein the latest winner of one of the arts world’s great windfalls: the $300,000 Gilmore Artist Award, given every four years to an unsuspecting pianist.

“I swallowed it,” Mr. Gerstein said of the mischievous ruse in an interview in New York on Tuesday. “I was so amazed. I went kind of blank for a minute.”

Mr. Gerstein, 30, is the sixth member of an elite and eclectic group of pianists that includes Ingrid Fliter, Piotr Anderszewski and Leif Ove Andsnes. He will receive $50,000 outright to spend as he wishes and can apply the rest to anything that furthers his career or artistry, subject to the Gilmore festival’s approval. He will give a recital at the festival in Kalamazoo, Mich., on May 3.

[sitetest]

I didn't see this posted. Thought it might be interesting to folks.

[sitetest]

Classical Music Ping List ping.

If you want on or off this list, let me know via FR e-mail. Thanks.

[Hodar]

Obama to raise taxes

Women, Minorities and Pianists hardest hit.

[sitetest]

~ snicker ~

[sniper63]

Kirill aka “fingers” Gerstein, to be probed by TSA agents as he lands in Kalamazoo Michigan.

[HIDEK6]

Michael Anthony - J. Beresford Tipton - Where are they now?

[thefactor]

So I guess I’ll be the first to say: Good for him and congrats.

[rahbert]

I’d love to hear him play some Chopin on his Pleyel!