Romantic to Contemporary music featuring World Premiere by Michael Colina

MidAmerica Productions presents Anastasia Khitruk and Friends. Spotlighting performances by Anastasia Khitruk, violin; Mike Block, cello; and Elena Baksht, piano. The three will present a varied program of works by Khandoshkin, Tcherepnine, Tchaikovsky, David Winker, and Grammy Award-winning composer, Michael Colina.

Opening the program will be multi Grammy-winning composer and producer, Michael Colina’s “Der Golem” for violin and cello. Another of his works, “Baba Yaga,” will be receiving its world premiere. Michael Colina wrote “Baba Yaga” in close collaboration with Ms. Khitruk, whose fiery intensity and lush colorings often inspire Colina’s music. The two-movement work, written for violin and piano, is based on well-known Slavic folk tales. The usually malevolent witch Baba Yaga has a lighter side in Colina’s interpretation. The first movement is both bitter and sweet, guided by a delicate melodic theme. The piece ends in a dark yet still playful scherzo that shows off Khitruk’s technique.

Additional works on the program include Two Duets for violin and cello by Khandoshkin, “Tanyetz Spirituoso” by David Winkler, Three Pieces by Tcherepnine, and two works by Tchaikovsky, “Meditation” and Valse Scherzo.