Nikita Livenstev Graduate Lecture Recital
April 18, 2026 7PM HMUS101
Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
Nikita Livenstev, piano Program
“Violin Soul in the Piano Mirror: S. Rachmanioff as Transcriber”
Gavotte from Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 10006 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Liebesleid Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 S.Rachmanioff (for Piano and Orchestra) (1873-1943)
This recital is presented under the direction of Dr. Andres Jaramillo in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.M. in Piano Performance degree.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Nikita Liventsev is a concert pianist and a graduate of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he completed his studies with distinction. A native of Smolensk, he built a strong foundation of musicianship through competition success and active chamber music work before moving to the United States to pursue a Master of Music degree. His playing combines the discipline of the Russian piano school with a deeply expressive approach. Before relocating to the U.S., Nikita gained extensive experience as a pianist, teacher, and collaborative artist, working with leading musical ensembles in Russia. Performing repertoire ranging from opera to contemporary projects, he developed a refined sense of ensemble playing and musical dramaturgy. As a performer, Nikita seeks to make classical music vivid and meaningful for modern audiences, viewing each concert as a dialogue that fills the space with warmth and light.
COLLABORATIVE ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Kevin Bird is a rising pianist from Southern California pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at California Baptist University, where he studies with Dr. Andres Jaramillo. A recent First Prize winner of the university's Aria and Concerto Competition, Kevin actively performs as a soloist and with the CBU Symphony Orchestra, demonstrating his commitment to artistic excellence.
As an experienced collaborative pianist, Kevin has performed with various ensembles, including a notable rendition of Copland's Appalachian Spring with the Corona Symphony. He also serves as a rehearsal pianist for university opera productions and maintains a private studio, passionately sharing his love for classical music with students and audiences alike.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Andres Jaramillo, whose wisdom, patience, and artistic vision have served as a guiding light on my journey at California Baptist University. His profound mentorship not only honed my technique but also taught me to listen to music with my heart, turning every lesson into a discovery of new
emotional depths. I am also grateful to the entire faculty for their invaluable support and for creating an environment where artistic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.
To my beloved family and friends thank you for being my constant source of warmth and strength. Your unwavering faith in me, even in moments of doubt, restored my spirit and gave me the courage to follow my dream. Your love, laughter, and endless support have made this journey not just possible, but truly joyful. I carry your support with me onto the stage every time I sit down at the piano.
And most importantly, I give thanks to God, the supreme source of all creativity and beauty. Every note I play is a prayer, and I am infinitely grateful for the gift of music, which allows me to connect with the divine and share that connection with others. It is my sincere hope that this concert will bring a moment of light, peace, and joy to every listener, and that my music will serve as a humble offering of praise to the Creator who inspires my soul.