Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and Pianist Lera Auerbach in Concert April 6, 2010

Alisa Weilerstein's fiery technique and passionate performances have made her one of the world's most sought-after soloists. The 27-year-old cellist joins with Russian composer/pianist Lera Auerbach for a unique concert, presented by San Francisco Performances.

The program features the West Coast premiere of Auerbach's "24 Preludes for Violincello and Piano, Opus 47" paired with Auerbach's arrangement of Shostakovich's "24 Preludes for Piano, Opus 34."

Commenting on her "24 Preludes," Auerbach said: "When I think of these violoncello and piano preludes, I compare them to the Lake Inyshka in the Ural Mountains, where my family would vacation during the summers of my childhood. The lake looked peaceful, but I knew it was dangerous as it had a double bottom."

Auerbach also composed the music for the ballet "The Little Mermaid" - commissioned by the Royal Danish Ballet and the Hamburg State Ballet and choreographed by John Neumeier - which will have its US premiere March 20-28 at the San Francisco Ballet.

Weilerstein returns to San Francisco Performances following her triumphant recital last season, when she impressed audiences with her powerful performance of Zoltan Kodaly's "Sonata for Solo Cello," a cornerstone of the cello literature and one of the greatest challenges for a virtuoso cellist.

In November 2009, Weilerstein was one of four artists selected to perform at a White House classical music event that included student workshops hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, and a concert for guests including President Obama.

Weilerstein has another role: Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was nine, she was made a Celebrity Advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in November 2008. She meets with members of the local chapters of JDRF when she tours, with the aim of demonstrating to young people that living with and managing diabetes does not limit their potential.

Official Website: http://www.performances.org