Concertos & Conductors from Conductor Mina Zikri’s Perspective

The dynamic duo are back at it again for Steinway Sundays with Susan and Svetlana with special guest Conductor Mina Zikri to discuss Concertos & Conductors.

Steinway Artist Susan Merdinger is a multi-awarded classical pianist, music director, recording artist, and educator with a distinguished career. She has been internationally acclaimed in prestigious newspapers and journals for her stunning performances. Critics have described her playing as “eloquent”, “spellbinding”, and “virtuosic”. With a riveting stage presence, she regularly commands standing ovations from her emotionally charged and spiritually uplifting performances with orchestras and solo recitals in major concert halls around the world. Indeed, performances by Ms. Merdinger are a celebration of a life passionately immersed in classical music.  Merdinger is an alumna of Yale University, the Yale School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music.

Dr. Svetlana Belsky, is an award-winning recitalist, chamber pianist, and recording artist, noted for her remarkable rapport with audiences and stylistic versatility. She has toured internationally in Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Italy, Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and throughout the United States, performing at Carnegie Recital Hall, Kiev Philharmonic Hall, Dame Myra Hess Series, Music in the Loft, Chicago’s Cultural Center and Harris Theater, countless university concert series, live recitals on Chicago’s WFMT and New York’s WQXR. Dr. Belsky served as the Director of the Piano Program at the University of Chicago for fifteen years, teaching students from four continents, guiding numerous students to victories in competitions for professionals and amateurs alike.

Mina Zikri is the founder and current music director of the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago. Just last year, he also became the Music Director of The Northbrook Symphony (Northbrook, Illinois), succeeding Lawrence Rapchak, who was at the helm of the orchestra for 17 years. A member of the faculty of DePaul University Community Music Division, his many career distinctions include his being named one of the twelve finalists in the 2007 Gustav Mahler International Conducting Competition, where he was chosen from 223 candidates from 40 countries. He has attended the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen, Colorado, on a fellowship, and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from DePaul University, as well as a Performance Certificate in violin.

Watch the livestream here on November 29, 2020 at 4 PM CST: https://in.live/concertDetails/nHCoE7RlAl

For inquiries, you may reach out to Sheridan Music Studio’s Assistant Manager Miguel Tarrosa at tarrosamiguel@gmail.com