Recital tour by superstar violinist Maxim Vengerov
Universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians and often referred to as the greatest living string player in the world today, Grammy award-winning violinist Maxim Vengerov returns to Australia after a 15 year absence this December to perform four gala recitals around the country in celebration of Musica Viva’s 70th birthday. He’ll end his tour in Sydney on the 10th of September at the Opera House.
This is the superstar violinist’s first national recital tour of Australia and one of the most highly anticipated musical events of the year.
“There is no violinist in the world like Maxim Vengerov and it was our great good fortune that the opportunity arose to present him in concert around Australia in the very month of Musica Viva’s 70thbirthday,” says Musica Viva’s Artistic Director, Carl Vine AO.
“It is many years since Maxim last visited Australia, and on this trip he will present a diverse program to display first-hand the incredible breadth and depth of his musical passion.”
Hailed as the successor to the mighty Russian school of playing, Maxim Vengerov will deliver a program in the great tradition of violin recitals, contrasting works of the highest artistic and emotional demands with more light-hearted displays of almost superhuman technique.
“Two works for unaccompanied violin form the pillars of this recital – Bach’s remarkable Chaconne from the second Violin Partita (BWV 1004), and Ysaÿe’s gravity-defying sixth Violin Sonata (op 27),” says Mr Vine.
“Two greats of the violin repertoire form the meat of the meal – Beethoven’s powerful 7th Violin Sonata (op 30 no 2) and Ravel’s magical Sonata in G major. Heinrich Ernst and Niccolò Paganini round out the menu with some romantic warmth and fiery displays,” he concludes.
Speaking about the recital experience, Maxim Vengerov says, “Recitals are something special because of the direct communication with the audience through music.”
“You have to decide what you stand for. I am a passionate recitalist and I try to put together programs that are full of variety. The idea is to give the audience a full spectrum of emotions.”
Of his return to Australia Maxim says, “I’m really looking forward to seeing the Australian audience again.”
“We have a very interesting program prepared for them, as I’ll be there with my pianist, Roustem Saitkoulov. I look forward to being in Australia soon.”
Maxim Vengerov will also perform gala recitals in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. For more informations visit musicaviva.com.au/Vengerov
What : Gala recital
Who : Violinist Maxim Vengerov
When : Thursday, 10 December 7pm
Where : Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney