Boyd Recital Hall was graced by a piano master last Saturday, Sept. 28 as Mikhail Voskresensky, a Russian pianist with over 70 years of performing and teaching under his belt, played a concert as part of Rowan’s Marie Rader Series. 

This is Voskresensky’s second time performing at Rowan, with his first performance here occurring in 2023. That concert was his first time performing after his family relocated to America in protest of the war in Ukraine. 

On Sept. 27 Voskresensky returned to Rowan to give a masterclass to piano students here. A day later was the recital, one packed with both technical prowess and musicianship. 

Debbie Shapiro, Artistic Director of the Marie Rader Series, began the evening with acknowledgments and an overview of the value of bringing in an artist like Voskresensky. She started by sharing the goal of the performance.

“To show the importance of access to the arts. Not just education, but also exposure to outstanding performances,” said Shapiro.

Mikhail Voskresensky then took to the stage, swept back his coattails, and dove right into the programmed music. 

The program took us through the classical period and ended in the romantic era, with Voskresensky first playing Sonata in E minor, composed by Joseph Haydn, and concluding the night with Kreisleriana Op. 16, composed by Robert Schumann. 

All five pieces required immense technical ability, with each taking up the full range of the piano. Even at 89 years old, he played parts that required him to cross his arms or even aggressively play large chords with ease, running up and down the piano as if it were his playground. 

During intermission, Dr. Drammer, Dean of the College of Performing Arts, took to the stage. He spoke about watching Voskresensky’s first performance at Rowan.

“All we could talk about that day was just what a wonderful performance that was, and we need to get him back here,” said Drammer.

The College of Performing Arts successfully brought him back to perform, and this time to present the Medal of Excellence. Dr. Drammer described how they judged his nomination, based on his life as a teacher, the outstanding skill he possesses, and the courage that it took him to move to the US in favor of peace. 

Dr. Drammer presented the award.

“In honor of his artistic excellence, his incredible impact as a teacher, and his remarkable personal character,” said Drammer.

Debbie Shapiro brought on the framed medal, which was handed to Voskresensky after Dr. Drammer’s introduction. 

After a photo op and a standing ovation, the night continued. After his masterful set, Voskresenky stood for applause, being handed a bouquet of flowers by a member of the audience. Walking off and walking back onto the standing ovation, a game ensued. 

Voskresenky gave three encores at this performance, first playing the melody from an opera. Between each encore, he would stand and receive applause, walk off stage, come back on, and maybe even walk off again. This left the audience visibly wondering and waiting if it was the last piece.

At the true end of the concert, Voskresenky came to the front of the piano and took his final bow, exiting, and leaving the audience in a state of wonder. 

This performance marked a strong opening for the Marie Rader Series, a series that seeks to bring outside talent to the stages at Rowan. To keep up with the Marie Rader Series and make sure you don’t miss a performance, head to the Rowan College of Performing Arts web page under “Marie Rader Series.”

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