TALK
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN CHAMBER MUSIC
MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
On the eve of the Festival opening, the delightful Philip Ross Bullock, Professor of Russian Literature and Music at the University of Oxford, will be in discussion with the Music Festival's artistic director, Dr Alexander Karpeyev. Together, they will shed light on the composers and pieces featured at this year's festival and introduce the rich world of Russian chamber music. As well as sharing their expertise and enthusiasm, they look forward to answering your questions and hearing your comments.
page password: mfintroduction
OPENING CONCERT
RARE RUSSIAN SONATAS
TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
The second Festival of Russian Music by Pushkin House opens with a concert that offers the opportunity to hear two rarely performed gems of the Russian chamber music: Mikhail Glinka’s unfinished viola sonata in two movements, a rare work for that instrument of the time, and Nikolay Medtner’s third and grandest violin sonata, which he composed in London.
page password: mfraresonatas
RECITAL
PROKOFIEV PIANO SONATAS
FRIDAY 5 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
Prizewinner of the Cleveland, Busoni and Paderewski international piano competitions, Ukrainian-born Russian-trained Dinara Klinton makes a welcome return to Pushkin House. Now a professor of the Royal College of Music in London, Dinara will play a selection of Prokofiev Sonatas, all of which she recorded for Piano Classics in 2020.
This concert is kindly supported by the Oleg Prokofiev Trust
page password: mfprokofiev
RECITAL
FORGOTTEN CELLO SONATAS
SUNDAY 7 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
Although totally forgotten today, Muscovite Iosif Genishta was a renowned composer and pianist in his day. His artistic friendships included Alexander Pushkin, Princess Volkonskaya, Robert Schumann and Hector Berlioz when the latest visited Russia. He was also active as a teacher and organiser of musical events: the earliest performances in Russia of Beethoven's piano concertos were the result of his skills as a promoter of large-scale musical events. Most probably a cellist himself, Genishta wrote three cello sonatas, reminiscent in style to early Beethoven. The second one was particularly praised by Schumann.
page password: mfcellosonatas
SONG
THE BEAUTY OF ARENSKY
TUESDAY 9 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
This concert presents a unique opportunity to explore the vocal output of Russian composer Anton Arensky (1861-1906), whose talent was placed incredibly high by Tchaikovsky. Students and graduates of the Guildhall School of music and Drama combine forces with pianists Alina Sorokina and Thomas Ang to present a varied and innovative programme shedding light on the music of this rarely-heard composer. The programme includes Tchaikovsky’s Legend, Op. 54 no. 5, which Arensky used as a theme for his famous Variations, Op. 35a.
This concert is kindly supported by the Nicholas John Trust.
page password: mfarensky
CHAMBER MUSIC
ORPHEUS SINFONIA
FRIDAY 12 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
Proudly collaborating with the Orpheus Sinfonia for the first time, Pushkin House presents a programme of masterpieces of Russian chamber repertoire, rarely heard in live performance.
Vibrant, dynamic and inspiring, Orpheus Sinfonia is a young, bright beacon of the orchestral scene, producing high-quality performances for public benefit, exploring new and ground-breaking avenues and also actively engaging with accessible performances, outreach work and community interaction.
page password: mfchambermusic
TALK
THE LIFE AND WORK OF NIKOLAY KAPUSTIN
SATURDAY 13 MARCH 2021
6.00PM GMT
Ukrainian-born Nikolay Kapustin (1937-2020) was one of Russia’s most famous modern-day composers. His attempts to synthesize jazz and classical techniques give his music a sound that sets it apart. In his talk, Kapustin expert Thomas Ang will explore the history and development of that style and discuss how Kapustin’s work differs from other composers who have tried to tie the two genres together.
page password: mfkapustintalk
RECITAL
MUSIC BY NIKOLAY KAPUSTIN
SUNDAY 14 MARCH 2021
3.00PM GMT
Kapustin expert Thomas Ang presents a recital of music by Nikolay Kapustin (1937-2020), including some of his unpublished compositions. The concert will include the UK premiere of Kapustin’s First Cello Sonata, Op. 63, performed together with cellist Corinna Boylan.
page password: mfkapustin