UF Symphony Orchestra to perform with Pianist Xiayin Wang on Oct. 10

September 15, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Symphony Orchestra will team up with pianist Xiayin Wang for a special concert at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the University Auditorium.

Xiayin Wang is an emerging piano talent, praised for her repertoire and her poetic interpretations. A native of China, Wang began playing the piano at age 5. After completing her studies in Shanghai, China and garnering a number of awards and honors for her performances throughout China, Wang came to the United States. She won the Associated Music Teacher League Award and was given the prize of performing at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall. She also pursued studies at the Manhattan School of Music where she won the school’s Eisenberg Concerto Competition in 2002, as well as the Roy M. Rubinstein Award. She holds Bachelor’s, Master’s and Professional Studies degrees from the Manhattan School of Music.

Now in their 98th season, the UF Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to the learning of symphonic music through performance. The literature includes established orchestral and choral masterworks, ballets and operas, from the 18th century to the present, by composers of all nations and both genders.

The orchestra will be led by Steven Thomas. Thomas was appointed to UF’s School of Music in 2007. A top prize winner in the Villa-Lobos and Bach International Cello competitions, as well as the Hudson Valley and Charleston competitions, Thomas has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in North and South America and throughout Europe. As a member of the Cantilena Piano Quartet, he toured and performed in most of the major concert halls of Europe and the United States.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 to $30 by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster at 800-277-1700 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, the University Box Office at the Reitz Student Union, from any Ticketmaster outlet or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.