QPAC to Welcome Ilya Konovalov, 15 June

The next concert in the Southern Cross Soloists Sunday afternoon concert series, Virtuoso, offers a rare chance to experience international violin sensation and first Concertmaster of the Israel Philharmonic, Ilya Konovalov.

This is the second concert in the Southern Cross Soloists' 2014 concert series in Queensland Performing Arts Centre's (QPAC) Concert Hall, to be presented on Sunday 15 June. Ilya joins the Soloists performing work inspired by one of literature's most recognisable legends, Faust, including Wieniawski's Faust Fantasy.

Southern Cross Soloists Creative Director Tania Frazer said that the Soloists are thrilled to be joined by such a superstar of the violin.

"I first met Ilya when he was made Concertmaster of the Israel Philharmonic at the tender age of just 18. To hold such an esteemed position with this prestigious orchestra was testament to his ability and his training since the age of seven years old.

"After meeting up again with Ilya in 2002 when the Philharmonic toured Australia, I invited him to be a soloist at the Bangalow Music Festival in 2003, where he was a huge hit. Never had audiences heard such virtuosic violin playing up close, with a sound that is arguably one of the biggest in the world and results from his immaculate musicianship.

"Ilya has since returned to play with us at Bangalow twice. The last time he played the Bruch Concerto to a sold out audience and a standing ovation.

"We always find it inspiring to work with the fabulous array of guest soloists who join us each year. However, hearing Ilya in an intimate concert setting is an incredible experience that has to be seen to be believed. Ilya makes one of the biggest, most beautiful sounds on the violin in the world, and his technical ability is stupefying. Hearing him is an extraordinary, unforgettable life experience," said Ms Frazer.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said Ilya is a leading violinist and his appearance with the Southern Cross Soloists demonstrated the reputation of the Soloists and their ability to attract internationally renowned guest performers.

"When Ilya played at QPAC in 2002 as Concertmaster of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta it was one of the most memorable concerts I have attended here at QPAC.

"Ilya is an outstanding musician and his Stradivarius 'Hercules' violin will be pushed to keep up with this virtuosic performance.

"Southern Cross Soloists have been one of QPAC's resident companies for two years now and their Sunday concert series have shown the Soloists' depth as a modern chamber ensemble that introduces audiences to new and interesting repertoire," said Mr Kotzas.

For bookings and more information go to www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

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