iAN & Ani - Prokofiev to Piazzolla at Arts Garage

Russian cellist Ian Maksin and Bulgarian pianist Ani Gogova return to the Arts Garage with a new eclectic program ranging from Prokofiev to Piazzolla as well as a Florida premiere of a piece by Maksin himself. The iAN&ANi Duo has appeared on NPR, TED Talks as well as radio and television stations throughout Europe. In the three years since its inception, the duo has captivated audiences of all ages, nationalities and musical tastes, from Miami to Los Angeles, in Europe as well as in their current home base Chicago. Described by critics as “possessing a one-of-a-kind blend of sonority paired with sensual interaction, choreography of movement and charismatic presence”, iAN&ANi Duo creates a magical live listening experience. (James/Nicole: note capitalization)

Russian-born Chicago-based cellist and composer Ian Maksin is quickly gaining international recognition for his beautiful tone and distinct style as well as his uniquely charismatic way with the audience. Ian Maksin performs over one hundred concerts a year in the USA and in Europe as a soloist as well as part of iAN&ANi Duo. His performances have been broadcast on radio and television in the USA and many European countries. His performances have been broadcast on radio and television in the USA and many European countries. In Chicago, Maksin has been a frequent guest on WFMT, WBEZ and Chicago Tonight, several of his performances made the Critic’s Pick of the Time Out Magazine. In 2012 he was named “Citizen Musician” by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for his contribution to the city’s musical life and the community engagement. Outside his career as a classical musician, he has collaborated with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Gloria Estefan and many others.

Ani Gogova’s “masterful poetic expression”, “ravishing colors” and “virtuoso technique beyond reproach” have been captivating audiences around the world for the last two decades. Her career started early in her native Bulgaria when she won all major competitions, including the most prestigious National Music Competition “Svetoslav Obretenov”, as well as top prizes in several international competitions for young pianists. Since then Gogova has appeared in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras in Bulgaria, Italy, Serbia, England, Slovenia, Romania, Portugal, Macedonia, and throughout the US. Her musical renditions have been heard on the Bulgarian National Radio, FM Classic Radio, Interlochen Public Radio, and WFMT Chicago. She has been featured artist and presenter at numerous festivals and conferences including Figueira da Foz Festival, The College Music Society, European Piano Teachers Association, Apolonia Festival of the Arts, Sofia Music Weeks, World Piano Conference, Isidor Bajic International Piano Memorial, and New Bulgarian Music Festival.