World-renowned Pianist Mark Zelster to Perform at Centenary at 3 p.m. March 15

SHREVEPORT, LA -- Critically acclaimed concert pianist and Centenary College Artist in Residence Mark Zeltser will perform in Centenary's Hurley School of Music Auditorium on Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

Originally from Moscow, Professor Zeltser has appeared with such orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Toronto and Montreal orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France and the Moscow Philharmonic.

After making his orchestral debut at age nine, Zeltser was admitted to the Moscow Conservatory at an early age based only on his proven talents. This was the first and only time that such a concession was made in the 100-year history of the Moscow Conservatory. In 1972, he earned his doctorate from The Moscow State Conservatory.

He was awarded first prize at the National Piano Competition in Moscow 1965; the Grand Prix at The Marguerite Long/ Jacques Tibault International Competition in Paris, France in 1967; and the Busoni Prize at the Busoni International Competition in Bolzano, Italy in 1968.

Before beginning his performing career, Zeltser served as a professor at the Moscow State Conservatory and at the Moldavian State Conservatory, USSR. Since 1977, he has also been teaching master classes at various festivals and teaching programs throughout the United States, Eastern and Western Europe, Korea, Japan and Australia.

In 1983, a special concert by Zeltser in Bologna, Italy attracted an audience of over 50,000, an all-time record for paid public attendance for classical music.

Zeltser's performance at Centenary is free and open to the public but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

- 30 -