Critically acclaimed cellist joins faculty for concert

A Dec. 2 concert in Wadsworth Auditorium features critically acclaimed cellist Cicely Parnas as well as musicians from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Geneseo faculty. It was organized by Louis Lohraseb '13. /PHOTO PROVIDED

Cicely Parnas, a critically acclaimed cellist who is said to be one of the finest young artists performing today, will join Geneseo faculty musicians for a concert Dec. 2. The concert also features musicians from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. in Wadsworth Auditorium.

On the program are Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin," Saint-Saëns "Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor," and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60."

Music major Louis Lohraseb '13, a presidential scholar, will be conducting the Dec. 2 concert for his senior project and has been instrumental in coordinating all aspects of the event.

"Louis is an extremely talented musician with a high energy level and boundless enthusiasm," said James Walker, Distinguished Service Professor of Music.

Not long after her Geneseo performance, Parnas will make her Carnegie Hall debut as guest soloist with the New York String Orchestra. Born in 1993, Parnas' cello studies began at age 4. She made her orchestral debut at 9. Since then, she has performed 40 times as a guest soloist with orchestras. She and her sister, violinist Madalyn Parnas, often perform together as soloists and chamber musicians, collaborating as "duo parnas." They won first prize in international chamber music competition at Carnegie Hall and have released two internationally acclaimed CDs.

• Tickets for the Geneseo concert are $16 for the general public and $8 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available online; by phone at (585) 245-5873 (local) or (800) 525-2070; or at the door the night of the performance. The concert is a Limelight & Accents event sponsored by the Geneseo Student Association.