Stas Venglevski and guest artist, soprano Jessica Robins Milanese, will perform with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra at the PantagesTheater on Saturday December 4 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 PM . The conductor is Harvey Felder.
The 80-plus professional musicians of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra impact thousands of people beyond the walls of the Broadway Center through their work as teachers, mentors, clinicians, ensemble and chamber performers, and soloists. The TSO is not just an orchestra, but a vital community resource.
His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought “Stas” Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. A two-time first prize winner of bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian bayanist, Friedrich Lips.
In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. Stas’ repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show.
Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of “Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini” and also the world premiere of “Bayan and Beyond”, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts.
Stas is a regular participant of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions.
Stas also performs as a member of the A Sta_Sera Duo where he combines talents with accordionist, John Simkus, known primarily for his smooth jazz renditions. Their musical partnership has resulted in a unique repertoire and as a duo they have toured the United States and Europe extensively and collaborated on a CD of original compositions, Seasonings.
Stas demonstrates his versatility performing regularly with his Irish friends Leahy’s Luck. Stas is past President of the prestigious Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) which was established in 1940 with the purpose of furthering the progress ofthe accordion by improving teaching standards, music, and all phases of music education. The ATG is a member of the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA) International Music Council (IMC-NESCO) which holds an annual competition and festival in various cities around the United States.
The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure to the audience.
For tickets: 253-591-5894 or 800-291-7593
