Alums Compete at International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia

This past June two of our alums competed in the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Russia! Violinist Nigel Armstrong, who appeared on
Show 077 in 2003, was awarded fourth place in the violin category. 17-year-old cellist and Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Anna Litvinenko (Show 156 in 2007) was the youngest competitor in the cello contest and one of only three Americans.

Nigel Armstrong. Image from necmusic.edu

Nigel, who received a €5,000 prize, was also honored for “Best performance of the work written specially for the competition.” The work – John Corigliano’s STOMP – invited soloists to invent a step dance accompaniment and other bravura moves. Writes the composer: “So STOMP demands a theatrical mind, an unerring ear, and a delight in making music with the entire body.” Armstrong opted to perform a portion of the work with his instrument behind his back, arousing considerable comment. Read more about this on the New England Conservatory website.

In August, Anna joined Classical South Florida to celebrate the premier broadcast of From the Top on 89.7FM; she performed “Violoncello Totale” for delighted guests at the reception. Our program is being aired each Sunday on this station thanks to a generous grant by philanthropist Mary Short, President of the Mary Jane Harlow Charitable Trust. It’s wonderful to have people like Ms. Short support arts initiatives/programming like From the Top!

More information about From the Top on Classical South Florida.