March 10, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Music presents Christina and Michelle Naughton, in the final recital of the 2007-08 UAB Piano Series, at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, in the Alys Stephens Center's Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, 1200 10th Ave. S. Single tickets are $15 for the general public and $5 for UAB students, faculty and staff with valid ID. Call 205-975-2787 for ticket information.

The UAB Piano Series brings to UAB the world's preeminent pianists. Christina and Michelle Naughton each began their piano studies at the age of 4. In the fall of 2007, both began studies at the Curtis Institute of Music on full merit scholarships. Christina was the bronze medalist at the quadrennial Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, and most recently won the gold medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Michelle won first prize at the PianoArts Biennial National Piano Concerto and Solo Competition and was the gold medal winner in the quadrennial Virginia Waring International Piano Competition. Both sisters have performed with Cleveland's Red Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Madison Symphony, Chicago's Ars Viva and Park Ridge orchestras. Each has performed extensively as a soloist, with orchestra and in piano duo with her twin sister.

In 2007-08 Christina and Michelle will appear on the Artist Series of Sarasota, on the Chamber Music San Francisco Series, and at the Martin Theater at Ravinia, as well as in performances with the Sheboygan Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic and the Gathering on the Green Orchestra.

On the program are works by Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff and Bolcom, to be performed by Michelle Naughton; works by Bach, Chopin and Ligeti, to be performed by Christina Naughton; and the pair will perform Mendelssohn's Andante and Variations in B-flat Major Op. 83a, Four Hands.