Rochester, NY — One of the most intriguing friendships in music history existed between composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Mieczyslaw Weinberg. What began as a teacher-pupil relationship blossomed into 30 years of deep friendship, mutual respect, and rich exchange of ideas. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the death of Weinberg and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Shostakovich, the Eastman School of Music will present Shostakovich + Weinberg: An Artistic Dialog, a three-day conference on September 15-17, 2006 that will bring the lives and music of these men together once again.
Eastman faculty musicians and guest artists — several of whom knew both Shostakovich and Weinberg — will perform in concerts devoted to the chamber music of both composers. The Shostakovich selections include some of his best-known works, while most of Weinberg’s music will be completely new to American audiences.
An all-day Symposium on Saturday, September 16 will feature presentations by some of the world’s leading scholars of Russian music, including Richard Taruskin, David Fanning, Laurel E. Fay, Simon Morrison, Peter Schmelz, and Manashir Yakubov. Exhibits of rarely-seen photographs, letters, and musical manuscripts will complement the weekend’s events. Many of these items are available thanks to the efforts of Professor of Violin and Music Director of the conference, Mikhail Kopelman, who was close to Weinberg before his death and remains close to Weinberg’s widow. Kopelman is the former first violinist of the Borodin String Quartet.
“In a year of numerous events observing the Shostakovich centenary, the conference at the Eastman School offers a unique, intimate look at this seminal 20th-century composer, and a chance to discover the music of one of his great friends and colleagues,” said Eastman Professor of Musicology Gretchen Wheelock.
More information on the conference, including schedule and registration details, can be found at www.esm.rochester.edu/shostakovich.
About the Eastman School of Music
The Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester educates talented musicians from around the world who become leaders and innovators in all fields of music. Established in 1921 by Eastman Kodak Company founder and visionary George Eastman, the School has achieved international prominence through its commitment to the highest standards of artistry, scholarship, and leadership.
About the University of Rochester
The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation’s leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University’s environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and Schools of Medicine and Nursing.