Pianist Olga Kern cancels Utah Symphony performance

Pianist Olga Kern, who was scheduled to perform with the Utah Symphony Feb. 27 and 28 at Abravanel Hall, has canceled her performance to be with her ailing father.

Kern's father, who lives in Moscow, Russia, is suffering from cancer, and Kern was advised to return home to be with him.

"Kern regrets that she is unable to fulfill her management with the Utah Symphony and, especially, as this is Maestro Lockhart's final season," Kern's management said in a statement. "She is most appreciative of your understanding and good wishes."

Kern will be replaced by Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev, who will perform Prokofiev's Concerto No. 3 for Piano. The program will also include Kodaly's "Dances of Galanta" and Bartok's "The Miraculous Mandarin."

While the Utah Symphony's policy prevents offering refunds, tickets for Friday and Saturday night's performances can be exchanged for another concert, said a Utah Symphony spokeswoman.