"… An’  I am in Texas until the 13th, call me…what’s up?"

It was a message from Lilya Zilberstein, who is currently teaching and performing at Texas Christian University International Piano Academy and Festival in Fort Worth.

In 1984, I became a student of piano performance and pedagogy at the prestigious Gnessin’s State Musical College in Moscow, It was an exciting time to be there because we were among the best pianists in the country. All of us were trying to break into the larger performing arts world. We practiced 4-6 hours a day and, of course, partied like you would expect kids in our early twenties to do.

A few years later, I ran into Lilya Zilberstein in the cafeteria. She was a freshmen, a modest girl with a long dark braid and a friendly smile. She was 22 at the time, and the best of the best at the school.

She was practicing for the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions for pianists from all over the world. Its program lasts 3 hours, playing the most difficult pieces, all memorized, as well as a piano concerto with the orchestra. After a preliminary audition process, competitors play 3 rounds. After each round, a big group of players will go home, and a few will advance.

In 1987, Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, so it was difficult to attend such a competition in the West. The country was closed for Russians to go abroad on any sort of business unless the government granted an exit visa.

To secure this exit visa, participants from Russia had to be selected through an audition process at their own Universities and Conservatories, then they competed again for a special jury at the National level. Only after winning that national competition were they allowed to attend and compete with other pianists from all over the world. Russia would send no more than 2-4 people to play at the largest competitions (out 30-40 the best players from all over the country).

I believe this system is similar to competition for Olympics sports. The Soviet government took pride in Soviet athletes, ballet dancers and musicians. They wanted to show to the world that the Soviet system surpassed others, and it worked. The best part was that the Soviet government paid all travel expenses for the fortunate winners.

Lilya made it through all of these seemingly endless barriers. Her beautiful warm sound, impeccable taste, and brilliant technique earned her first prize and made her an audience favorite at the International Ferruccio Busoni Competition in Italy Bolzano in 1987. What a VICTORY! And it was just the beginning!

She and her husband Sasha–a talented trumpet player from our university–emigrated to Germany. With their first baby on the way, Lilya was offered a fantastic recording contract by Deutche Grammophone in 1990.

In 1989, my family and I emigrated to the U.S., life got busy, and Lilya and I lost touch with each other. Occasionally, I would hear bits and pieces about her performing life … at a festival in Switzerland, a four-hand performance with Martha Argerich … Lilya plays with Abbado … London Symphony ... La Scala Orchestra in Milan ... NHK Tokyo … and many more.

In the fall of 2007, I suddenly got a phone call from Lilya.  She was coming to San Antonio to play with our symphony. She played Rachmaninov, Paganini Variations and it was FABULOUS!

Mike Greensburg wrote "Lilya is one of the finest pianists of our time." And he is right! Her interpretations are iconic, her emotions are never overstated or understated, but always perfect. She plays classical music like the timeless work it is.

I enjoyed Lilya's visit, learned that her baby-to-be became a talented pianist, and got a younger brother. Now both children are playing together with their famous mother, who is very supportive and encouraging. And the funny thing was that it felt like we were 23 again and had never parted.

I am truly honored to bring Lilya to perform for Musical Bridges in January 2011.  San Antonio Symphony and Musical Bridges are sharing Lilya for two weekends. She will stay with me, we will share the latest family news, and create fantastic musical fantasies for future seasons.

Her program with Musical Bridges will include a lot of my favorites: Appasionata, Chopin Variations Brilliante and Consolations by Liszt. I am also very grateful to Carol Lee Klose and Carolyn A. Seale for sponsoring Lilya's appearance at Musical Bridges.