The Tutunov Piano Series proudly announces its 2026–2027 season, bringing six exceptional performances by internationally recognized artists to Southern Oregon. The season will take place in the Music Recital Hall on the Southern Oregon University campus and continues the series’ tradition of presenting world-class musicians in an intimate concert setting.
The 2026–2027 season features a distinguished roster of performers representing some of the most exciting voices in classical music today:
““I am beyond excited to share the music I love with our amazing audience. The lineup will not disappoint even the most discerning aficionado. Making the talent of such high caliber available in our beloved valley brings so much joy and fulfillment to my life and, hopefully, to the lives of our loyal patrons as well!” – Alexander Tutunov”
Sebastian Picht, “Rising Star”
October 16, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
A native of Philadelphia, while still a student of Alexander Shtarkman at the Peabody Conservatory of John Hopkins University, Sebastian Picht has performed internationally in Switzerland, Mexico, Iceland, Italy, and Spain. Most recently, he appeared at the Carme Contemporary Cultural Center in Valencia as winner of the 2025 Valencia International Piano Academy Competition.
Lei Weng
November 13, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Steinway Artist Dr. Lei Weng is an internationally acclaimed pianist, educator, and adjudicator who has performed at major venues worldwide and appeared as concerto soloist with more than forty orchestras across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He is also Founder and Director of the Colorado International Piano Academy & Festival.
Brian Ganz
January 22, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Widely regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation, Brian Ganz is celebrated for performances of emotional depth and artistic integrity and is especially known for just completing his three-year long project performing the complete works of Chopin.
Tommaso Benciolini & Jacopo Giacopuzzi
March 2, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Award-winning flutist Tommaso Benciolini, winner of the 2017 New York Respighi Prize, has performed at such renowned venues as Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. He is currently a professor at the Conservatory of Trento. Soloist and Chamber musician Jacopo Giacopuzzi, winner of fourteen international competitions, has presented recitals throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. He currently serves as Director of the Tramonto Festival in Encinitas.
Ivona Kaminska & Christopher Bowlby
April 9, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Founding members of the KB Piano Duo, Ivona Kaminska and Christopher Bowlby have established themselves in the Pacific Northwest and internationally as a sought-after piano duo team. They are co-founders of the Seattle International Piano Festival and creators of the Chopin Academy of Music.
Ludmil Angelov
May 7, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Ludmil Angelov is renowned as one of today’s foremost interpreters of Chopin. A prizewinner at several important, major competitions and a frequent guest at leading Chopin festivals, he has performed at venues including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Musikverein, and New York’s Lincoln Center. He serves as Professor Emeritus at the New Bulgarian University.
All performances are Fridays, with the exception of Tamasso/Jacopo Tuesday performance. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall, located on the Southern Oregon University campus at 450 S. Mountain Avenue, Ashland, Oregon 97520.
Concert tickets will be available to the public beginning July 15, 2026. Ticket prices range from $35–$45, with $10 tickets for SOU employees and free admission for students of any school.
For ticket information and updates, visit sou.universitytickets.com or contact our box office at 541.552.6348. For upcoming events go to oca.sou.edu/events
About the Tutunov Piano Series
The Tutunov Piano Series presents internationally acclaimed pianists and chamber musicians in Southern Oregon, enriching the cultural life of the region through performances of the highest artistic caliber while fostering appreciation for classical music among audiences of all ages.
