Russian military band conductor to visit UGA

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A former chief conductor and of Russia's military bands plans to visit the University of Georgia.

A university news release says the Hugh Hodgson School of Music plans to host Lt. Gen. Valery Khalilov from Nov. 8-16. Khalilov is former chief conductor and senior director of music of the Military Band Service of the Armed Forces of Russia.

During his visit, Khalilov is scheduled to sit in on classes, work with students and conduct ensemble performances.

Khalilov, who is a composer as well as a conductor, holds the title of Honored Artist of Russia and has conducted performances in many countries.

He has been the music director of the International Military Music Festival at Spasskaya Tower in Red Square since 2007. It's a two-week festival that draws nearly 100,000 people.