A Brief Bio & About Music Journeys, Inc.

Among the critical response to Andrew Russo's incendiary performances at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition were - "Here's a pianist with a spirit of adventure; his performance of music by George Crumb was haunting." Others said he was "...a blazing unorthodox musician..." - and - "a brilliant interpreter of Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy, too."

This 28 year-old American pianist, a resident of Paris since completing his studies at The Juilliard School and Hochschule Mendelssohn Leipzig, makes a vivid impression wherever he plays. Already a rising star in the United States since his professional debut at age 13, his recent performances at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Freylingshaus in Halle, Kioi Hall in Tokyo, and the Salle Cortot in Paris and have received enthusiastic praise for their striking combination of "unbridled temperament with perfect control." Russo is especially known for sharing his individual sense of programming and unique 21st century sensibility with his audiences. He possesses a seemingly limitless versatility, taking on the standard piano masterworks as well as obscure pieces and rare transcriptions. An example of his explorations, a recent appearance in Charleston, South Carolina, in which he recited Shakespeare between movements of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet Suite, providing the audience with an interesting literary context for the piece.

In September 2002, Russo was the Artistic Director and a performer in a three-day festival of the music of George Crumb in New York City. The composer was on hand for the entire event, which featured performances by Russo, soprano Susan Narucki, flautist Tara Helen O'Connor, violinist Jennifer Frautschi, Frederic Chiu, Felix Fan and other young contemporary music stars. In a rave review of the festival, Shirley Fleming spoke of "…Russo's totally absorbing solo performances of volumes I and II of Makrokosmos." Two months later, the English label Black Box released a disc featuring Russo's performances of Crumb's solo piano music - "Russo is an unquestionable master of Crumb's unique sound world - (Independent)"

Russo continues his path as "Evangelist of Crumb" in 2003-04 with a series of appearances including the French premiere of Eine Kleine Mitternachtmusik (2002) in Nice and a 3 concert celebration for Crumb's 75th birthday during the 2004 Kuhmo Festival in Finland. In addition, Russo's second disc will appear on Albany Records, Wright Flight, a new piano concerto by Michael Schelle, commissioned for Russo by the Dayton Philharmonic and premiered in February 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight.

Other celebration in 2003, the 200th birthday of Berlioz, which Russo will celebrate with 3 concerts in Luxembourg and France and a recording of the Symphonie Fantastique transcribed by Franz Liszt. His dedication to music of today will also manifest itself - 5 world premieres as a soloist with Art Zoyd/Musique Nouvelles in Brussels, pianist in the multi-media spectacle 'M/W' during the festival Lille 2004 with lelabo...

Aside from his activities as a performer, Mr. Russo dedicates his time to the direction and development of Music Journeys INC, a non-profit foundation which organizes social work through special musical presentations and clinics for elementary schools in the underprivileged areas of his homewtown - Syracuse, NY. It is because of the breadth and diversity of his activities that Gramophone magazine recently said, "Andrew Russo is certainly not just another concert pianist."

Russo's recent appearances, which include Leipzig's Gewandhaus, the Freylingshaus in Halle, New York's Alice Tully Hall, Kioi Hall in Tokyo, the Salle Cortot in Paris and in Charleston at the Spoleto Festival and on the International Piano Series have received enthusiastic praise for their striking combination of "unbridled temperament with perfect control." (October 2002)

What is Music Journeys?

Founded in 2001 by Andrew Russo, Music Journeys INC is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation committed to supporting innovative ideas in the realms of arts education and concert programming.

With a strong focus in Syracuse, New York, the native city of Mr. Russo, Music Journeys' goals in Central New York are to invigorate the arts-in-education programs of the Syracuse City Schools, inspire the students who attend our local institutions of higher education, and bring fresh voices into the local music scene.

Starting with the 2002-03 academic year, Music Journeys INC was effective in launching a series of weekly residencies, bringing distinguished, young contemporary artists into the Central New York community. These artists are presenting programs in the public school system, giving master classes at local colleges and universities, and performing concerts in local venues. Whether jazz, classical, or folk music, these programs focus on evoking customs of foreign cultures, illuminating social and political situations and liberating the imaginations of those who "Take The Ride".

As Music Journeys' resources expand and the momentum builds, we will have the ability to make a difference to people from all walks of life in Central New York.