51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

LAS VEGAS - The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Performing Arts Center welcomes the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra with conductor Pavel Kogan and violinist Jennifer Koh, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. The program includes Tchaikovsky Competition winner Koh performing Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, as well as orchestra performances of Pictures at an Exhibition and Capriccio Italien.

Founded in 1943 by Lev Steinberg, the Orchestra quickly established a reputation as one of the premier interpreters of the Russian "classic" composers. Under the subsequent leadership of Nikolai Anosov and Leo Ginzburg, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra developed relationships with the most prominent Russian 20th Century musicians and composers, including many premieres of Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Myaskovsky, and Gliere. The Orchestra also had the distinction of performing under the directorship of the well-known Soviet female conductor, Veronika Dudarova.

Since Pavel Kogan assumed the positions of Music Director and Chief Conductor in 1989, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra has steadily expanded its repertoire beyond the classics of Russian and Western symphonic literature to include contemporary compositions from both Russia and abroad.

Highlights of Koh's 2009-2010 season included return guest appearances with the New Jersey Symphony, National Symphony of Washington, D.C., and the New World Symphony, among other ensembles. In the words of Allan Kozinn of The New York Times: "Jennifer Koh's violin recitals are consistently pleasing, not only because she is in command of a strong technique and a rich arsenal of tone, but also because she builds her programs thoughtfully, with a sensible balance of contemporary works and standard repertory."

Tickets to the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra are $35, $50, and $70 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $13 each and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ faculty and staff discounts also are available. A $1.25 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Information about all of the season's performances can be found on the Performing Arts Center website, located at pac.unlv.edu.

Founded in 1976, the Performing Arts Center at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ continues to be Southern Nevada's premier performing arts venue. Located on the north end of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campus, the PAC hosts a variety of performances each year in three distinct series - the Charles Vanda Master Series, the New York Stage & Beyond Series, and the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Classical Guitar Series. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and Vegas PBS are graciously sponsoring the season.