Press Release

Acclaimed Russian Orchestra to Perform at Oglethorpe University

Atlanta – The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, one of the world’s leading string orchestras, will perform at Oglethorpe University on March 9.  This renowned group of musicians led by conductor Misha Rachlevsky will take the stage in Conant Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m.

Rachlevsky studied at the Moscow Conservatory and the Gnessin Institute of Moscow before immigrating in 1973 and setting in the United States several years later.  While in the United States, Rachlevsky founded the New American Chamber Orchestra (NACO) for which he acted as artistic director and performed as soloist in over 500 concerts. 

Returning to Russia in 1991, Rachlevsky founded the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin.  The orchestra boasts a dozen CDs with Swiss recording label Claves.  Several of their recordings have earned the orchestra esteemed awards such as the Diapason d’Or in Paris, the Gramophone Critic’s Choice in London and Record of the Year in Hong Kong. With such awards to its credit, it is little surprise that the Washington Post insists “add the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin to your list of first-rate chamber ensembles.”

In addition to their highly successful regular concerts to loyal and enthusiastic audiences in Moscow, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin has toured Europe, the United States and the Far East. 

Selections for the upcoming performance at Oglethorpe University include:

• Hovhaness’ Psalm and Fugue
• Rossini’s Sonata for Strings
• Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, Op. 22
• Corigliano’s Suite from “The Red Violin”

As listed above, the upcoming program will include one of America’s most significant composers of the 20th century, John Corigliano.  Featuring each of the orchestra’s nine violinists alternating as soloists, Misha Rachlevsky has rescored Corigliano’s suite from the Oscar-winning film “The Red Violin.”  Upon hearing the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin perform Rachlevsky’s rescored version of the suite, original composer Corigliano exclaimed, “Bravos were heard in the hall at the performance – and some of them were mine. The concert of my compositions was one of the best of any I have ever heard of my music. I am truly grateful.”

What critics are saying about Kremlin concerts….

No less than five encores were called for and played willingly and received with delight. What led to this end was an impressive display of musicianship. – Los Angeles Times

Absolutely together throughout, the ensemble playing was stunning. Three encores emerged through a rapturous ovation. – The Glasgow Herald, Scotland

The ensemble of 18 young string players sounded fresh and energetic, and they responded to Mr. Rachlevsky with an admirable flexibility. – New York Times

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