Springfield Ohio – The 2015–16 Wittenberg Series continues with “An Evening with the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, in historic Weaver Chapel on Wittenberg’s campus. The evening concert will include the Wittenberg Choir singing Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G major with the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin.

Founded in 1991 and comprised of some of Russia's finest young string players, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin has achieved international acclaim for “the incomparable historical character and the present day vitality of Russia's musical talent” under the creative baton of its founder and director, Misha Rachlevsky.

In addition to presenting concerts and festivals in Moscow, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin tours regularly in North and South America, Europe and Asia. The orchestra's discography of more than 30 albums has received international accolades, including the Diapason d'Or award in France, Critics’ Choice in London's Gramophone, Critics’ Choice in The New York Times, and Record of the Year award in Hong Kong, China.

Misha Rachlevsky's lifetime affinity for chamber music and chamber orchestra repertoire began at the College of the Moscow Conservatory and the Gnessin Academy of Music. After leaving the Soviet Union in 1973, he settled in the United States in 1976 and became active in the field of chamber music.

Rachlevsky founded the New American Chamber Orchestra (NACO) in 1984 and led it to international prominence, completing nine European tours in four years.

In 1989, NACO became the resident orchestra of Granada, Spain, while Rachlevsky founded and led Granada's own chamber orchestra. In 1991, Rachlevsky accepted an opportunity to record Russian works for the Claves Records label. His decision to record the music with Russian musicians led to the founding of the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin.

Now in its 33rd year, the Wittenberg Series brings distinguished lecturers and performing artists of national and international prominence to the Wittenberg campus and Springfield community. This Wittenberg Series event has been made possible through the generous support of the Ruth B. and Thomas F. Mackey Charitable Trust. To make special arrangements, request a series poster, or become a friend of the Wittenberg Series, contact Nuggie Libecap at libecapn@wittenberg.edu. All Wittenberg Series events are free and open to the public.