With a vivid onstage presence, dazzling technique, and keen musicianship, pianist Olga Kern is widely recognized as one of the great artists of her generation, captivating audiences and critics alike. She was born into a family of musicians and began studying piano at the age of five. At seventeen, she was awarded first prize at the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition, and in 2001, she launched her U.S. career, winning a historic Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only woman in the last 50 years to do so.

Olga Kern’s residency is made possible by the Sandra F. Lai Guest Artist Residency in Piano, which was established in 2023 to bring internationally renowned pianists to the University of Arizona.

Crowder Hall
Friday, 1/24 at 1:30pm: Q&A (free)
Friday, 1/24 at 3:00pm: Master Class (free)
Sunday, 1/26 at 3:00pm: Olga Kern in Recital ($30)