Lola Astanova

Infobox musical artist
Name = Lola Astanova


Img_capt = Lola Astanova on NBC's TODAY Show
Landscape = yes
Background = Virtuoso pianist
Birth_name = Lola R. Astanova
Alias = The Million Dollar Pianist
Origin = Tashkent, Soviet Union
Instrument = Piano, keyboard
Genre = Classical Music
Occupation = Pianist
URL = [http://www.LolaAstanova.com www.LolaAstanova.com]

Lola Astanova ( _ru. Лола Астанова, born in Tashkent, former USSR) is a Soviet-born virtuoso pianist, famous for her technique, speed and power, and exceptional interpretations of compositions by Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninoff.

At the age of six Lola entered the elite "V. Uspensky Specialized School of Music for Gifted Children", where she started learning to play piano with Professor Tamara Popovich. She also frequently visited Moscow for lessons with Professor Lev Naumov of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory.

Ms. Astanova started touring as a concert pianist at the age of eight. She performed in Germany, France, Austria, Italy and Russia both solo programs and with orchestras.Timeline:
*1996 - Laureate of the "International Chopin Competition for Young Pianists" in Moscow.
*1998 - Featured in the UNESCO documentary "Prodigies of the 20th Century".
*2003 - Astanova emigrated to the United States.
*2004 - US debut at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
*2005 - Received her Master's Degree with Honors (summa cum laude) from Rice University.

According to legendary piano professor Lev Naumov, "Lola Astanova possesses a rare and truly ingenious intuitive ability. Chopin performed by Lola is simply outstanding."

In September 2007 Ms. Astanova released her first US album titled "DEBUT" which was made available exclusively through iTunes.

In October 2007 Ms. Astanova became a star of the Classical Superstars Fantasy Concert alongside Valery Gergiev and Kirov Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater, and hosted by Emmy winning television personality Regis Philbin. The concert was featured in the 100th anniversary issue of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book and offered for $1.6 million.

In August 2008, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced Ms. Astanova’s historical performance on the famed Steinway piano of Vladimir Horowitz at the "Notes of Hope" benefit hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The event also features performances by comedian & actor Denis Leary and rocker John Mellencamp.

Ms. Astanova is an official "Steinway Artist".

External links

* [http://www.LolaAstanova.com Astanova's Official site]
* [http://www.steinway.com/ Steinway & Sons Official site]