Enjoy a master class with talented pianist Sergei Saratovsky at Westacres in Maple Ridge on Sunday.
The Russian-Canadian pianist has received acclaim both at home and abroad, including an award from Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizing his achievements in music and has had the opportunity to performed for former Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean.
A teacher at the Bergthorson academy, Saratovsky has won numerous competitions, including first place at the Porto International Piano Competition (Portugal, 1999), where he was acknowledged for his interpretation of Debussy and won best performance of a Beethoven sonata.
He received third prize at the International Russian Music Piano Competition (USA, 2003) where he was also awarded the Special Public Prize.
Saratovsky has also won second prize in the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Competition (Canada, 2004), and received second place in the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (USA, 2006).
In 2008, Mr. Saratovsky was the recipient of an award and recital opportunities from the Vancouver Chopin Society, placed Second in the Pacific Piano Competition (Canada), and was a Finalist in the Montréal International Musical Competition (Canada) where he also received the award for Best Canadian Artist.
Saratovsky’s concert engagements have included appearances with the Portugal National Orchestra, the Portugal Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and regular solo engagements with the State Symphony Orchestra of Karelia in his native Russia.
He has performed for audiences in France, Italy, Australia, Portugal, Canada, the United States and Russia, and has been the featured artist on radio and television broadcasts aired across the world including in Canada, the United States, Portugal, Australia, and Russia.
Saratovsky is presently a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia where he studies with Jane Coop.
The Saratovsky class is the first of three being presented by the Maple Ridge music school this season.
Other classes included a cello class with Jane Kim (Keum Ran Koh) in January and operatic voice class with Dr. Szu-Wen Wang in February.
“This is a rare opportunity to study with these exceptional music performers and educators in a very personal, focused session,” said owner Rob Hornsey.
• The class costs $50, while observers will pay $25. To register, call 604-467-6613 or info@bergthorson.com.