Cellist Johannes Gray and Pianist Anastasiya Magamedova perform works by Jean Sibelius, Felix Mendelssohn and Jacques Ibert, live from the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.
Following his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the age of 14, cellist Johannes Gray (27) won the International Pablo Casals Award, was a Gold Medalist of the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, received the Verbier Festival’s Prix de l’APCAV award, and was awarded the prestigious “Talent Adami Classique”. In 2024, he became a multiple prizewinner of the International JS Bach Competition in Leipzig, receiving 2nd prize, audience prize, and the prize for a CD production with Genuin Classics.
Solo engagements have taken him across four continents – including performances at the Berlin Philharmonie, the festivals of Ravinia and Verbier, Lincoln Center, SuperCello (Beijing), and the Cello Biënnale Amsterdam. Last season he gave his concerto debut in New York at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.
Anastasiya Magamedova, a 2016 National YoungArts Winner, embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Graduating with Academic Honors from the Juilliard School under the mentorship of Julian Martin and Matti Raekallio, she now pursues further studies in Paris and is mentored by Gabriela Montero.
Anastasiya’s passion for performance has led her to engagements in renowned halls worldwide, including Alice Tully Hall in NYC, Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin, and Libby Gardner Hall in Salt Lake City, UT, and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Concert Hall.
Recipient of numerous prizes, Anastasiya most recent awards include a 2nd prize in the 2024 International Ars Classica Competition and being a finalist in the 2023 International WPTA Spain Piano Competition.
