Guest Cellist Reveals Powerful, Prolific and Unknown Composer

 Cellist Elizabeth Grunin performs two works by 20th century composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg in an intimate Guest Artist lecture and recital on Saturday March 26 in Fulkerson Recital Hall. 

 “Mieczyslaw Weinberg is a name hardly known in the classical music world. However his works and life story certainly demand recognition,” said Dr. Grunin. “We will be become acquainted with this incredible composer and his life as well as explore his abilities at combining the traditions of classical and baroque composers with modern, 20th century harmony, exhibited in his works for unaccompanied cello.” 

 Elizabeth Grunin was last heard at HSU almost exactly a year ago, when she performed with the Lancaster Trio. She is a founding member of that ensemble. Born in Ukraine, she grew up in Sacramento, performing there and in the Bay Area. She currently teaches at several Midwestern universities.

 Composer Weinberg, writes music journalist Martin Anderson, “was one of the 20th century’s most powerful and prolific composers, and one of its least well known, certainly outside of his adoptive Russia.” After fleeing the Nazi invasion of Poland, Weinberg became close friends with the famous Russian composer Shostakovich, who called Weinberg “one of the most outstanding composers of the present day.” 

 Dr. Grunin will perform Weinberg’s Sonata No. 1 for Violoncello and Prelude 21 for Cello. The audience for this lecture-recital will be seated on the Fulkerson Recital Hall stage with Dr. Grunin for a more intimate musical experience. 

Cellist Elizabeth Grunin performs on Saturday March 26 at 8 p.m. in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus. Tickets are $10 general/$5 seniors, children and students, from the HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door.This Guest Artist Series concert is produced by the HSU Music Department.

Media: Mad River Union, Times-Standard Urge, North Coast Journal, HSU Now.