24th Annual LaVona Rushton Concert

The LaVona Rushton Concert Series is a prestigious celebration of classical music. Each year, this program showcases world-renowned pianists, hand-picked in collaboration with the Cliburn, an organization dedicated to advancing classical music in competitions, concerts, and education. This year, the BMA is delighted to present Vitaly Starikov.

About the Performer

Russian/Israeli pianist Vitaly Starikov has found distinction with “raw, deeply felt, and powerful” (La Scena) performances, while having an unassuming onstage presence and a “willingness less to play at the audience than to draw [them] into musical intimacies” (Dallas Morning News). His bold approach won him silver at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the admiration of fans around the globe. Vitaly’s perspective on music is manifested in his repertoire: he presents music that reflects not only tradition, but also contemporary life, striving to offer new perspectives on familiar music and introduce lesser-known pieces to wider audiences. His Cliburn performance of Bartok’s Second Piano Concerto electrified the room, with a La Scena reviewer noting that “he understood this music, and gave an impactful, lively, and gripping interpretation on all levels: emotionally, architecturally, and in terms of his sound palette.” This inaugural Cliburn season takes him to the Bravo! Vail and Sunriver Music Festivals; Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Pacific, Topeka, and Springfield Symphony Orchestras, and in recitals throughout the United States. Mr. Starikov appears by arrangement with the Cliburn.

We invite you to join us prior to the concert at 6:30pm for a coffee service and light refreshments. 

The Rushton Concert is generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rushton III.