"What’s not to like? A warm, silky tone; an excellent technique at ease in gusto and finesse; a plethora of personal ideas to stimulate the ear; an artist who clearly enjoyed his work..." Palm Beach Art Journal, April 2009
CELLIST IAN MAKSIN is quickly gaining international recognition as a classical artist as well as rock musician. He gave his first cello recital at the age of six in his native St. Petersburg, Russia. He has performed as a soloist and as a part of chamber ensembles throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ian has performed as a concerto soloist with numerous orchestras throughout the United States and Europe and has been the winner of several competitions, including the New World Symphony Competition and the Westmoreland Young Artist Competition. Many of his live performances and interviews have been broadcast on National Public Radio and its affiliate stations throughout the Unites States. He has performed in the chamber music series at the Spoleto Music Festival, Summit Music Festival, Ravinia Music Festival, Norfolk Music Festival, Lancaster Music Festival, and the White Nights Music Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, and many other ones.
Ian has premiered and recorded numerous works by contemporary composers, including a critically acclaimed CD “Sculpting Clouds” as a part of Ibis Camerata. The album came out on Albany Records in 2007 and features works by Julliard-based award-winning American composer Eric Ewazen. Also, in 2006 Ian recorded on the album “Clocks” music by Miguel de Aguila with the celebrated Cuarteto Latinoamericano.
In 2000, Ian became member of the New World Symphony, America’s foremost orchestra for young musicians from around the world directed by Michael Tilson Thomas. During his years with the orchestra, Ian has performed as the principal cello and appeared as a concerto soloist under the direction of such conductors as Michael Tilson Thomas, Hans Graf, Andreas Delfs, Donald Runnicles, Zdenek Macal, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Yan Pascal Tortelier, John Adams, Lukas Foss and many others. Ian has been frequently invited as a guest principal cellist to perform and record with numerous chamber orchestras including the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, Erato Chamber Orchestra, Chicago Virtuosi Orchestra, Spoleto USA Orchestra, Illinois Symphony, as well as many others.
Outside classical music, Ian has collaborated with many well-known artists in different genres. He has performed and recorded with P Diddy, Gloria Estefan, Andrea Bocelli, Cirque du Soleil, Barry Gibb, and many others. As a member of different rock bands, he has appeared on MTV, at the Lollapalooza Music Festival, Milwaukee Summerfest, and many more.
The outstanding cello being used by Ian is a Francesco Rugeri made in Cremona, Italy around 1690, on loan through the generous efforts of the Stradivari Society of Chicago. The Stradivari Society is a unique organization that supports the very highest level of string playing by assisting patrons who own the most precious antique Italian instruments and choose to make them available to artists of exceptional talent and ability.
This weekend! At the stroke of MIDNITE - Different show each night! It's dark, ethereal, fleshy, vampy, theatrical... it's GRIM BURLESQUE! Promises to get your soul's heart throbbing to the spirit of Halloween. Be serenaded through our horror-themed tour of gothic erotica!
1901 W. Belmont (entrance on Wolcott) $10 special admission price when you mention “I’m a sexy bitch” at the door! BYOB – 18+ Awesome line-up that keeps growing – spread the love!
The performance last night was,...mysterious,...exciting,...and beautiful! I wanted to close my eyes while I placed the palm of my hand on the face of your cello and feel the magic... it was wonderful to see you again, and i look forward to your next performance!!
Hope you've been doing well, and that your week so far has been a creative and productive one. Always sending the best and hope to dance to your music one day.
when i hear you play my dear Ian, it cleanses my soul and i feel the beauty of music that is you. it was really nice to see you!! and Mama and i wish we could have talked with you for a bit. Mama says your performance was lovely!!
i will miss you immensely until your return to chicago (can i go with you to italy? ). until then a hug and a kiss, and as always a BIG smile!!!
Just thought I stop by and say"Hi"and hope that your week so far has been a creative and a productive one as well.Also hope you've been doing well too. Your music is forever inspiring.