Contact:
Gretchen Miller Basso
Public Relations Director
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Phone: 407/896-6700 x 223
Fax: 407/896-5512
gmiller@orlandophil.org
www.orlandophil.org

(Orlando, FL – June 17, 2010) – The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announces the appointment of its new concertmaster, Yuriy Bekker.  Bekker, a native of Minsk, Belarus, now a U.S. citizen, begins his tenure with the Orlando Philharmonic in September, 2010.  This is a one year position.  Bekker replaces Tamas Kocsis, who has accepted the position of Concertmaster with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

“I am delighted that Yuriy Bekker has agreed to serve as interim concertmaster for the 2010-2011 season.  He has enjoyed tremendous success at the highest levels of our profession.  At various times throughout his young career, Mr. Bekker has assumed various roles, including concertmaster, soloist, and chamber musician.  It is a privilege and a pleasure to welcome him to the Orlando Philharmonic.” says Christopher Wilkins, Music Director.

“I am honored to be a part of the Orlando Philharmonic,” says Bekker.  “I am really looking forward to collaborating and making great music with Maestro Wilkins and the musicians of this fine orchestra.”

Bekker makes his solo debut with the Orlando Philharmonic at its October 30, 2010 Super Series concert, Myth and Poetry.  Bekker will solo on three pieces: Chausson’s Poème, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Philharmonic Composer-In-Residence Stella Sung’s The Phoenix Rising.  He also performs as soloist on the Philharmonic’s February 14, 2011 Focus Series concert, Concertante.  At that concert, Bekker performs Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola.

Formerly Concertmaster of the Charleston Symphony until its recent suspension of operations, Bekker has played with the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and Ballet Orchestras, and the Louisville Orchestra. He has collaborated with Herbert Greenberg, Claudio Bohorquez, Alexander Kerr, Sara Chang, and Gil Shaham in both chamber concerts and symphonic settings. Engagements at the Kennedy Center include performances with the Indiana String Quartet and with the Degas String Quartet for the Chicago Chamber Music Society. Recent appearances include recitals in New York City, Chicago, Miami, Florida, Asheville, North Carolina, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Graz, Austria as well as numerous engagements as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony.

Bekker was the concertmaster and a faculty member at the AIMS Festival in Graz, Austria. He has played in music festivals worldwide including the European Music Festival Stuttgart (Germany), the Pacific Music Festival (Japan), Spoleto USA, Aspen Music Festival and others in the Netherlands and Switzerland. In addition, he is on the faculties of the College of Charleston School of the Arts and Charleston Academy. He has been a frequent guest concertmaster and soloist with various orchestras including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble DuMonde and others in the New York City and Baltimore areas.

He earned a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory where he was concertmaster of the Peabody Symphony under the tutelage of Herbert Greenberg. His Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degrees were acquired from Indiana University’s School of Music.

Bekker’s position has been fostered by a $500,000 Concertmaster Chair Endowment gift made by Lynn and Charles Steinmetz in 2004.

“Chuck and I have been long-time classical music and symphony supporters, and understand both the need for orchestral endowments and for artistic excellence,” said Lynn Steinmetz.   “Endowing the Orlando Philharmonic concertmaster chair demonstrates our commitment to both of these goals, especially providing this sustaining support for this crucial orchestral position.  We are delighted about the appointment of Yuriy Bekker as the new Concertmaster of the Orlando Philharmonic, and believe that he will be an excellent fit for this accomplished orchestra. We look forward to hearing him perform in the upcoming season.”

For additional information on the Orlando Philharmonic and to purchase concert tickets, visit www.OrlandoPhil.org or phone 407-770-0071.