Utah State University’s Irving Wassermann Piano Series is set to feature world-renowned Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky in an exclusive performance on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall on the USU campus, offering audiences a chance to experience the artistry of a pianist celebrated for his extensive repertoire and international acclaim.
With a mastery of over 50 piano concertos, Lugansky has collaborated with prestigious orchestras across Russia, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, according to USU officials.
For his Logan performance, Lugansky’s program will feature six works by Felix Mendelssohn, Carnaval de Vienne by Robert Schumann, and selections from Richard Wagner’s operas, including four scenes from Götterdämmerung and Isolde’s Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde.
Born in 1972, Lugansky trained under esteemed mentors at the Moscow Conservatory. Early in his career, he earned top honors at music competitions in Russia, later making a name for himself at prestigious festivals such as Aspen, Tanglewood, Ravinia, and Verbier.
In 2023, he marked Sergei Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary with a three-concert tour across Paris and London, followed by performances throughout Europe. Currently, he is on a world tour, with U.S. stops in Aspen, Kansas City, and Washington, D.C.
Lugansky has also received international acclaim for his exceptional recordings, solidifying his status as a world-class pianist.
Hosted by the Caine College of the Arts, the Wassermann Piano Series is an annual event that has showcased top-tier pianists since its inception in 1980. Originally founded by Irving Wassermann as the Wassermann Festival, the series continues to bring distinguished artists to Utah State University.
Beyond performances, the series remains dedicated to Wassermann’s vision of enriching music education. Guest artists offer master classes, providing USU students with rare opportunities to engage with world-class musicians in sessions that are free and open to the public.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cache Valley, combined with the state-of-the-art Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall, the Wassermann Piano Series stands as a major cultural event in the region each year.
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