RIT Orchestra hosts ‘Kirill’s Koncert’ March 15

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The RIT Orchestra hosts a Russian-themed concert, “Kirill’s Koncert,” on March 15.

The kickoff to the RIT Orchestra 2014 spring season features a Russian-themed concert filled with music representing youth, struggle and renewal.

“Kirill’s Koncert” will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in RIT’s Allen Chapel in the Schmitt Center for Religious Life. The concert is free, but donations are being accepted for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of the son of RIT alumna and former RIT Orchestra violinist Svetlana Bukharina ’03 (applied mathematics), who tragically lost his life in December.

The concert repertoire includes: Prelude to Khovanshchina by Modest Mussorgsky; ‘Toy” Symphony by Leopold Mozart, which features toy instruments such as rattles and drums; a solo violin performance by Bukharina; La Tempesta from Symphony in D Minor by Paul Wranitzky, which has not been performed in more than 200 years; and the Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky.

“The musical pieces that will be performed in Kirill’s Koncert represent hope and the dawning of a new day, of overcoming, and most of them come from the Russian tradition, with which Svetlana identifies so strongly,” said Michael Ruhling, professor of performing arts and orchestra director. “The last selection, in particular, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, tells the story of the defeat of evil and renewal of life. The audience—and performers—will undoubtedly be moved by these powerful pieces.”

For more information about the concert, contact Ruhling at 585-475-2014 or michael.ruhling@rit.edu.