Tcherepnin Live

The Aurelius Ensemble presented Tcherepnin Live, a concert in honor of the 100th anniversary of Alexander Tcherepnin's birth and in memory of Ivan Tcherepnin on Saturday, 12 February, 2000, at 8pm and Sunday, 13 February, 2000, at 3pm at Killian Hall, MIT. The ensemble performed chamber music works by four generations of the extraordinary Tcherepnin family, including the world premiere of "The New Simplicity" by the 23 year old composer Stefan Tcherepnin.

Tcherepnin Live featured the guest appearance of Stefan Tcherepnin, the youngest composing member of the Tcherepnin family, who was present for the world premiere performance of "The New Simplicity" for flute, clarinet, bassoon, violin, viola and violoncello, commissioned specifically for this celebration. In addition, Sue-Ellen Herschman-Tcherepnin, flutist and wife of the late Ivan Tcherepnin, will perform and Dante Anzolini, Director of the MIT Symphony, will conduct.

The Tcherepnin Dynasty is unique in that it tells the story of four generations of composition across three continents within one family. Nikolai (1873-1945) studied with Rimsky-Korsakov and was a leading figure in the cultural life of St. Petersburg around the turn of the century. Alexander (1899-1977), fascinated by Chinese music, spent many years studying and teaching composition in Shanghai before moving to the US via France with his Chinese pianist wife. Ivan (1943-1998), Harvard University faculty from 1972 until his death, became known as an innovator in the field of live electronic music while retaining his roots in instrumental music. Stefan (1977- ), continuing in the family tradition, is currently studying composition at Oberlin College. For more information on and photos of the Tcherepnin family, see www.tcherepnin.com.