Symphony to feature Russian musicians

The second concert of the Augusta Symphony's Columbia County Music Series will feature two Russian artists.

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Violinist Levon Ambartsumian and pianist Evgeny Rivkin will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center inside the Columbia County Library.

"In looking at programming this year for the Columbia County Music Series, we really wanted to do something special that focuses on our artists in Georgia," Augusta Symphony Executive Director Sandra Self said.

Ambartsumian was named the Honored Artist of Russia in 1997. Rivkin has won top prizes in musical competitions throughout Russia. Both teach music at the University of Georgia.

The musicians will perform sonatas by Austrian composer Franz Schubert, including his sonata Arpeggione . In addition, the pair will play Sonata Op. 120 No. 1 and Sonata Op. 120 No. 2 by Johannes Brahms.

"It should be a wonderful program," Self said. "We're excited about it. I just hope that we'll have lots of people there."

She said that both Ambartsumian and Rivkin talk with their audiences about the pieces they perform.

Self described the classical pieces as melodic, pleasant and "very easy to the ears."

"There's nothing like live performances," she said. "To hear the masters be played by such extraordinary musicians is something that's very special and will touch the heart and the soul."

Tickets cost $30. If available the night of the concert, tickets for full-time students and military personnel cost $7.

For more information, call (706) 826-4705 or visit www.augustasymphony.org.