Keys to Excellence opens season with pianist Ilia Radoslavov

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Ilia Radoslavov, head of the keyboard area at the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music, will present the opening concert of the 2024–2025 season of the Keys to Excellence Piano Series on Monday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University. Admission is free. Radoslavov will also present a public masterclass on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.

Bulgarian-born pianist Ilia Radoslavov’s playing has been described as “superb in every way” (American Record Guide) and he has been hailed as a performer who reaches “high levels of purity” and “exquisite, pure sound … that leaves the audience breathless” (The Beeld). Throughout his career, Radoslavov has been welcomed warmly and with accolades by audiences and critics alike, while appearing in numerous solo and chamber performances in prestigious venues in the United States, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Serbia, and South Africa. Most notably, he has performed as a soloist in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, Pretoria’s Brooklyn Theater, and the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Radoslavov’s program on Sept. 30 includes Scenes from Childhood, Op 15 by Robert Schumann, Musica Ricerata by György Ligeti and Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110 by Ludwig van Beethoven.           

Keys to Excellence Piano Series is supported by Drake University Jordan Concerts. For more information, contact Nicholas Roth at 515-321-5947 or nicholas.roth@517b2b.com.

KEYS TO EXCELLENCE PIANO SERIES 2024–2025:

ILIA RADOSLAVOV – Illinois Wesleyan University
Sept. 29: Masterclass
Sept. 30: Concert

NICHOLAS ROTH – Drake University – Sally B. Bartlett Memorial
Dec. 2: Concert
(No Masterclass)

JODY GRAVES & THE SAPPHIRE TRIO – Eastern Washington University
Feb. 9: Masterclass
Feb. 10: Concert

WINSTON CHOI – Roosevelt University
March 30: Masterclass
March 31: Concert

Keys to Excellence features internationally acclaimed pianists in concert. All events are held in Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University. Master classes begin at 4 p.m. and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.