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The secret’s out—Park University’s International Center for Music is the place to go for world-renowned classical music. And it’s about to get even better. For the fifth year in a row, Park ICM’s artistic director, Stanislav Ioudenitch, is gathering friends, colleagues, and alums together for a one-of-a-kind night filled with magnificent music from award-winning artists.
The concert is a rare opportunity to experience the talent at Park ICM at an all-in-one special musical event, held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on March 8 at 7:00 p.m. In an effort to continue making classical music accessible to all, ticket prices begin at $23 with extra discounts for students.
Under the leadership of Stanislav Ioudenitch, Park ICM has been molding young musicians into international stars for over two decades. Ioudenitch is himself a master of piano, internationally recognized as a Van Cliburn Gold Medalist in 2001 before starting the Park ICM program in 2003. “The program is growing. We have a lot of great things happen. A lot of followers. A lot of fantastic students who made their way high in their careers around the world,” says Ioudenitch. “And I’m here still, very happy and proud of such an amazing program.” The musicians and students of Park ICM are known all over the world for their skill but convene every year in Kansas City to perform with Stanislav & Friends.
The friends joining Ioudenitch this year include another Van Cliburn gold medalist, Mikhail Voskresensky, and Park ICM’s most famous alum, pianist Behzod Abduraimov. Voskresenesky and Ioudenitch will play a piano duet, Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat major, by Mozart. “It has been a tremendous satisfaction and pleasure to see Voskresensky again,” says Ioudenitch. “This concerto was very important for Mozart himself as he was establishing himself in Vienna. He never wrote any other concerto for two pianos. It is a fun piece. Very unique.” The concerto will be played alongside the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, with Bruce Sorrell conducting.
Behzod Abduraimov returns for the grand finale of the performance, a sign of the bonds created between student and master at Park ICM. “I’m thrilled to be able to perform together. We didn’t work together for three years,” says Ioudenitch. “As we all know, the pandemic happened, and he is hard to catch because he’s traveling around the world playing constantly, and I’m traveling around the world. But we found this date, and it worked out perfectly! To mark the occasion, we decided to play Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos.”
Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos was composed in 1932 and remains one of his most celebrated pieces. “If you’re not familiar with the music, you see a kaleidoscope of melodies coming one after the other,” says Ioudenitch. “It reminds me a little bit of a modern movie with the scenes coming one after the next until it unveils the entire story.” Poulenc’s style is known for rich, colorful melodies with a charming, lyrical influence. The lively interplay between the two pianos is playful, making the camaraderie between the two musicians apparent.
It’s no wonder Ioudenitch chose Poulenc’s concerto as the final performance. Abduraimov and Ioudenitch’s remarkable talents shine in seamless harmony, combined with a full orchestra accompaniment that stirs emotions and creates a captivating atmosphere for the audience. The duo’s remarkable talents are matched with their deep understanding and passion for the music. This is not a concert any music lover will want to miss. It is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience musical talents such as these. No matter what you thought about classical music before, you will leave Stanislav & Friends forever changed.