Omaha Center Celebrates 20 Years with Noted Musicians

Two award-winning musicians will headline the 20th anniversary gala event benefiting Chabad-Lubavitch of Nebraska, co-directed by Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, in Omaha's vaunted KANEKO center.

The April 13 event, dubbed "Mitzvahs and Music," will be conducted by Hal France, former artistic director of the Omaha Opera and former music director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch and vocalist Marcelo Guzzo will perform a selection of Chasidic melodies.

"The evening will come to a spectacular end with two distinguished musical performances," exclaimed France. "This is a great opportunity to hear two young world-class talents up close in an exciting new venue. I'm looking forward to hearing some great music and seeing some electing performances from these two young starts.

A 2001 Van Cliburn Gold Medal winner, Ioudentich was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His resume includes performances throughout Europe, the United States, Turkey, South Africa and China, and honors at the Busoni, Kapell, Palm Beach Invitational and New Orleans International competitions.

Guzzo, a baritone from Uruguay, was declared the "Best Uruguayan Lyric Voice of 2001" at the Giuseppe Verdi International Singing Competition. He performed earlier this year at New York's Lincoln Center.

Chaired by Tippi Denenberg, the musical event will honor community members Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney.