By Ralph Derickson

Clarinetist Richard Stoltzman will be accompanied by wife Lucy, a violinist, and pianist children Peter and Margaret at the 2001 University Artist Series first performance.

Oct. 3, 2001 (Lexington, Ky.) -- The 2001 University Artist Series focuses on family musical groups. The first performance features clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, wife violinist Lucy, and pianist children Peter and Margaret, and is set for 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, in the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts.

Stoltzman, whose love for classical music began early, and his family will explore a range of jazz and classical musical styles from Debussy to Duke Ellington. Typical programs for the Stoltzman family include selections from "Porgy and Bess" and Bach's "Courante."

A graduate of Ohio State University, who also has a master's degree in music from Yale and worked toward a doctorate in music at Columbia University, Stoltzman said his love of music began when he picked up a clarinet his dad had "just left lying around."

That inauspicious start toward a music career has led him to solo performances with more than one hundred orchestras around the world and to a prolific recording artist career in which he has won two Grammy Awards. He has more than 50 releases on various recording labels.

Stoltzman's recent releases include "Amber Waves," a CD of American works, and the Trios of Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart with Emanuel Ax and Yo Yo Ma. This release won him a second Grammy.

Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for senior citizens and $15 for students. Call (859) 257-4929 to reserve tickets.