February 4, 2026
On February 1, 2026, world-renowned pianist Behzod Abduraimov traveled to Austin to perform with the University Symphony Orchestra, bringing an international spotlight to the Butler School of Music. Abduraimov, who regularly appears with the world’s leading orchestras, turned down engagements with three other major European orchestras in order to perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Butler’s Symphony Orchestra that weekend.
Farkhad Khudyev conducts a rehearsal with pianist Behzod Abduraimov
Arriving in Austin immediately after a winter storm, Abduraimov immersed himself in rehearsal, working with the orchestra on Friday and returning for an extended rehearsal on Saturday. The experience left a strong impression on the student musicians. Susan Thomas, Director of the Butler School of Music, emphasized that collaborations like this are central to the school’s mission. She noted that it is important for students “to work with people who are at the absolute top of their field so they can see what is possible,” calling the concert a perfect example of that goal in action.
Farkhad Khudyev and Behzod Abduraimov rehearsing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
While conductor Maestro Khudyev and Abduraimov communicated through discussion, nods, and eye contact, it was the pianist’s direct engagement with the orchestra that stood out most. One orchestra member remarked that during Saturday’s rehearsal, “he really helped us out a lot, he told us exactly what he wanted, and we sounded so much better.” That collaborative energy carried into the performance itself, as Abduraimov at times turned from the keyboard while still playing to make eye contact with different sections of the orchestra, including the horns seated behind him. For brief moments, it felt as though there were two conductors onstage, sharing the same musical vision.
The performance revealed not only Abduraimov’s deep love for the music, but also an unusually strong personal connection with the orchestra. Such rapport between a soloist and ensemble is rare, particularly at this level. Yet in Austin, a city that values collaboration as a defining element of its musical culture, the partnership felt entirely fitting.