Eastman series features child prodigy

Djangirov

Eldar Djangirov will perform classic and contemporary jazz works in the second annual "Marian McPartland/Eastman Jazz Series" concert, a program created last year to shine the spotlight on exceptional jazz pianists. During the concert, Djangirov also will perform with McPartland and with Jeff Campbell (bass), assistant professor of jazz studies and contemporary media, and Rich Thompson (drums), part-time instructor in jazz studies and contemporary media.

Djangirov, who has been called "a child prodigy" and a "musical phenomenon" by The Kansas City Star, now resides in Kansas City after moving there in 1998 with his parents from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the former Soviet Union. His musical gift was first evident at the age of 5. He began studying classical music, but quickly fell in love with jazz by listening to his father's records. After performing at age 9 at a Russian jazz festival, he was discovered by Charles McWhorter, a jazz enthusiast from New York who arranged for him to study during the summers at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan.

McPartland

Since coming to the United States, Djangirov has continued to study jazz and improvisation and has participated in several American jazz festivals. In recent months he has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, the live Grammy Awards telecast, and National Public Radio's Piano Jazz, where he became the youngest artist ever featured in the 20-year history of McPartland's award-winning show.

"This young man is a fantastic piano player," McPartland said. "He's not just 'good for a kid.' He's got a terrific technique, he's very sensitive, and he's always working hard to improve. If he keeps developing and stays focused, he's going to become an outstanding pianist on the jazz scene."

Reserved tickets for the concert are available in advance at Ticket Express, 100 East Ave., or by calling 222-5000. Any unsold tickets may be purchased at the hall box office one hour before the start of the concert.

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