Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) often said that Beethoven’s music formed a permanent influence on his compositions. In 1935, Prokofiev wrote Romeo and Juliet as a ballet based on the Shakespearean play. Later he used his themes for three orchestral suites and a piano piece with ten movements. Ms. Kasman will offer the opportunity to hear these familiar themes in this rarely heard setting for piano. Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881-1950) is often called the “Father of the Soviet Symphony.” He won the Stalin Prize five times, more than any other composer. Prokofiev and Myaskovsky were close friends throughout their lives, after having met at the Moscow Conservatory as students.

Ms. Kasman is a student of internationally renowned pianist and teacher Yakov Kasman. She has won numerous awards including the Silver Medal at the VII International Competition for Young Pianists in Memory of Vladimir Horowitz, second place and Young Jury Winner Award at the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition and the IKIF MacKenzie International Competition in New York City. She has performed internationally as a soloist and in duo performances with Yakov Kasman. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birminingham, she will begin her master degree studies in the fall at The Juilliard School, where she will study with Robert McDonald.