Some of us do well with surprises. Others, not so much.
However, in the performing arts, engagements might appear unexpectedly — and refusing them might lead to fewer invitations in the future.
So when pianist Illia Ovcharenko arrived at the Aspen Music Festival and School to suddenly find that he was assigned to perform a tough piano sonata by fellow Ukrainian Sergei Prokofiev, he agreed to take on the assignment.
Aspen Music Festival and School President and CEO Alan Fletcher has taken notice of the young talent, even becoming Ovcharenko's friend on Facebook.
“He’s always attending the concerts, you know, commenting on some young artist and student,” Ovcharenko said.
Listen to the story to learn more about Ovcharenko’s studies in Ukraine, Israel and Aspen.
