Source: Todd Holmberg, 785-532-6425, trholm@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009

K-STATE'S MCCAIN PERFORMANCE SERIES TO FEATURE PIANIST JON NAKAMATSU

MANHATTAN -- Award-winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu brings his talent to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, as part of the 2009-2010 McCain Performance Series.

Nakamatsu rose to global stardom in 1997 when he was named gold medalist of the 10th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the only American to earn the win the prestigious classical music competition since 1981. At the time, Nakamatsu was a high school German language teacher and had no formal conservatory training.

He is now one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation. Nakamatsu has been called "a true aristocrat of the keyboard, whose playing combines elegance, clarity and electrifying power." He has performed with orchestras from all across the world at the some of the most prestigious concert halls.

His K-State performance will include works from Clementi, Schumann and Chopin.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices start at $12 for K-State students and $24 for the general public. Discounts for K-State faculty, children and military are also available. Tickets can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or by calling 785-532-6428. More information is available online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/