World-renowned guest musicians to perform famous works including Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
and Mozart’s Piano Concerto

(STILLWATER, Okla.)-- The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University (OSU) announces guest soloists Gil Shaham and Conrad Tao will perform with the New York Philharmonic during their residency in Stillwater. Violinist Gil Shaham will perform at 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 24 and pianist Conrad Tao will perform at 2 pm on Sunday, September 25. Tickets are now on sale.

Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time; his flawless technique combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit has solidified his renown as an American master. The Grammy Award-winner, also named Musical America’s “Instrumentalist of the Year,” is sought after throughout the world for concerto appearances with leading orchestras and conductors, and regularly gives recitals and appears with ensembles on the world’s great concert stages and at the
most prestigious festivals.

Shaham will perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, one of the most challenging and well-known works in classical repertory. Other works included in Saturday’s program include Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Price’s Symphony No. 4 in D minor.

Conrad Tao is a leader of the new generation of classical music. The pianist and composer has amassed a steady stream of awards and critical acclaim for his performances, compositions, and recordings. A former prodigy, Tao has emerged as a mature, thoughtful, and thought-provoking artist with both a singular vision and the talent to realize it. ’Tao’s commitment to new music extends far beyond his own compositions – he dedicates significant time and resources to performing, commissioning, and curating many other bright new voices. His ceaseless exploration also lends a new, contemporary vitality to his much-lauded performances of the core repertory, further distinguishing him as one of the most compelling forces on the scene today.

Tao will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major. Also on Sunday’s program is Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

Ticket holders are invited to arrive early to enhance their concert experience with “Preludes: A Pre-Concert Conversation.” Preludes is held one hour prior to the concert. OSU’s Dr. Thomas Lanners will lead a casual discussion that provides insight about the evening’s program. Guest speakers include Gil Shaham and Patrick Castillo, Vice President of Artistic Planning for the New York Philharmonic. This concert series immediate follows the New York Philharmonic Gala concert and dinner on Friday, September 23. More than 100 student community voices will join the musicians onstage for the grand finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. All tickets to the Gala Concert include a celebratory reception held in the Marilynn and Carl Thoma Atrium as well as complimentary parking in the 4th Avenue Garage. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mcknightcenter.org or contact the box office at
405.755.9999.

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Sam Powell at sam@six-pr.com or 918.857.1750.

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COVID Protocol The McKnight Center has enhanced health and safety measures to keep guests, artists and employees safe. Face masks are recommended for these events. 

About The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center is an expression of Oklahoma State University's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through artistic excellence, creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. To learn more, visit mcknightcenter.org.