with Mstislav Rostropovich

"What Mstislav Rostropovich has meant to my life is difficult to put into words. He has been my mentor and friend. His unselfish musical enthusiasm and love of life will inspire me forever."

Lambert Orkis

Lambert Orkis came to the attention of Mstislav Rostropovich in the late 1970's when he performed at a master class for members of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington of which Rostropovich was the Music Director. Rostropovich was so taken with Orkis' playing that he subsequently created the position of Principal Keyboard in the National Symphony for the pianist and invited Orkis to play recitals with him. Over a twelve year period, as Slava has so colorfully put it, "…together we won the battles in the States, in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taipei..." and won the hearts of their audiences in the process.

During this period, they played at the White House for Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, Emperor Akihito of Japan, King Hussein of Jordan, and Prime Minister Gandhi of India.

Benefit recitals were a regular occurrence in their touring schedule. The two artists have given concerts for Save the Children, Armenian Earthquake Victims, The Washington Opera, Georgetown University Hospital, Rostropovich Children's Hospital, Temple University Boyer College of Music, and The National Symphony Orchestra of Washington.

"Again, Orkis' piano playing was the revelation of the evening. It matched the cellist's interpretation and expressivity note for note, and the prolonged standing ovation was equally deserved by both performers."

"It was indeed an evening of pure music-making of the highest order, and certainly a prime example of what world class chamber playing is all about. [Rostropovich and Orkis]"