News

Back by popular demand, the highly-acclaimed Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev will return to the Lee University campus for his third appearance in another spectacular Presidential Concert Series performance on Monday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall.

“Many of our audience will recognize Ilya,” says Darlia Conn, director of the series. “He has been invited back again not only because he is a brilliant pianist, but because he is a warm-hearted and approachable human being. He will, once again, be playing a familiar program of music from the old masters.”

With many awards and honors to his credit, Yakushev continues to astound and mesmerize audiences at major venues on three continents. According to American Record Guide, “Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the public today, and it doesn’t seem to matter what repertoire he plays, it is all of the highest caliber.”

The evening’s performance will feature Haydn’s “Sonata in D major,” Beethoven’s “Sonata in F minor, Op. 57 Appassionata,” Tchai kovsky’s “Dumka,” and Gershwin’s “Three Preludes.”

Receiving his first award at age 12, Yakushev has been the recipient of several other awards between then and now, as well as performing in various prestigious venues worldwide. Most recently, he became a recipient of the prestigious Gawon International Music Society’s Award in Seoul, Korea.

Highlights of Yakushev’s 2021-22 season include appearances with the Wisconsin Philharmonic and La Crosse Symphony, along with recitals throughout the United States and Russia.

Concert tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available for purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pcs-ilya-yakushev-piano-tickets-191813297737 or at the Lee University Box Office in the Dixon Center, (423) 614-8343, beginning Oct. 25, between 3-6 p.m.

Lee University remains dedicated to the health and safety of both the campus community and guests and will observe COVID-19 protocols based on CDC recommendations at the time of the performance.

For more information about Yakushev, visit https://www.ilyayakushev.com/.

For more information about the Presidential Concert Series, visit leeuniversity.edu/pcs/ or call the School of Music at (423) 614-8240.