MIKHAIL KAZAKEVICH piano
METROPOLITAN SINFONIA
TOMMY HARRINGTON conductor
STJEPAN HAUSER cello
PREMA KESSELMAN flute

Schnittke Suite in the Old Style
Bruch Kol Nidrei for cello and orchestra
Beethoven Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat
Maurice Wright Flute Concerto World Première
Schubert Symphony No 5 in B flat

This London-based orchestra makes its mark at St George's with a gala style concert that pays homage to the great cellist, conductor and human rights defender Mstislav Rostropovich. An orchestral suite by Schnittke, arranged by Russian violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov, makes a direct connection with two close friends of Rostropovich, and a composer whose work he championed throughout his career. With Bruch's haunting Kol Nidrei there is a chance to hear an astonishing young artist who Rostropovich considered to be one of the greatest cellists he had ever heard. The world première of a new Flute Concerto by American composer Maurice Wright and two much loved early romantic works by Beethoven and Schubert follow. Beethoven created his second piano concerto as a showpiece for his own talents as a pianist, and we are delighted to welcome back the extraordinary Russian virtuoso pianist Mikhail Kazakevich, who takes up the piece with his customary skill and deep artistry.

Mikhail Kazakevich: ' "One of Russia’s best-kept secrets" is how they like to promote him and for once it's true.' THE TIMES

'Playing with expected Russian brilliance, coated by major concern for eloquent elegance. His technical security is amazing and his rhythmic stability definitive in matters of style. Kazakevich is beyond criticism … not only a sensational pianist but a major artist of high integrity.' IN TUNE

'Hearing Kazakevich perform in any circumstances is an extraordinary experience. Like a great singer or storyteller he can invest music with a life far beyond the page. One of the greatest pianists in the world.' PRESS AND JOURNAL

'Prema Kesselman … rock solid and note perfect … limpid and beautiful. The final chord brought a standing ovation and an encore.' NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW

Tommy Harrington on Metropolitan Sinfonia website
Prema Kesselman website