Mikhail Kazakevich - Chopin & Beyond

This momentous evening, presented by Blugrass Group, marks the album launch of Mikhail Kazakevich’s first independent release, Chopin Polonaises, a masterful interpretation of Chopin’s iconic works.

Repertoire

Opening Act – Waldstein Trio
Felix Mendelssohn – Piano Trio in D Minor

Frédéric Chopin
• Polonaise No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 26, No. 1
• Polonaise No. 2 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 26, No. 2
• Polonaise No. 5 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 44
• Mazurka No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 2

Franz Liszt
• Vallée d’Obermann

Schumann/Liszt
• Widmung

About Mikhail Kazakevich
Mikhail Kazakevich is a Russian pianist and professor who has made significant contributions to classical music. Born in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), Russia, Kazakevich began his musical education at the Gorky State Conservatoire, studying under Isaak Katz, a pupil of the renowned Alexander Goldenweiser. Critics have praised Kazakevich's performances, with The Times (UK) describing him as "one of Russia's best-kept secrets" and lauding him as "one of the most worthy of listening time" among the influx of musicians from the former Soviet Union. His interpretations are noted for their lyrical quality and technical brilliance, particularly in romantic repertoire.
His international career was launched with a sensational performance at the International Schubert Competition in Dortmund, Germany, in 1991. This led to engagements with the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous solo recitals in Germany and France, where he received a Special Prize from SACEM for his interpretation of 20th-century music. 
Kazakevich has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the UK, he has given recitals at London's Wigmore Hall, St John's Smith Square, and the South Bank Centre, and has made numerous live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3.  His repertoire spans from Bach to contemporary composers, with notable interpretations of works by Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and Schubert. 
As a recording artist, Kazakevich has recorded with BMG/Conifer. His discography includes acclaimed recordings of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and Schubert and his arrangements of Mahler's works. A highlight of his recording career is the world premiere recording of Beethoven's final versions of the Second and Fourth piano concertos with the English Chamber Orchestra under Sir Charles Mackerras. 
Kazakevich's teaching career is equally impressive. He is currently a Professor of Piano at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He frequently gives master classes and is an adjudicator at prestigious institutions such as the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal College of Music. 

Waldstein Trio Opens the Evening
The event will open with the acclaimed Waldstein Trio performance, featuring Miguel Ángel Villeda Cerón on cello, Greta Papa on violin, and Christos Fountos on piano. With their exceptional artistry and dynamic synergy, the Waldstein Trio sets the stage for a night of breathtaking music.
The Waldstein Trio is an acclaimed chamber music ensemble that has rapidly gained recognition in the classical music world. 
Their journey has been marked by extraordinary achievements in international music competitions. Winning the First Great Award at the Manhattan International Music Competition was a pivotal moment, establishing their reputation as a world-class ensemble. Their subsequent victories at the CAVATINA Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition, Vienna International Music Competition, and Amadeus International Music Awards further cemented their status as an emerging force in classical chamber music. The trio's performances have graced some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Musikverein-Brahms Saal in Vienna, and the Mozarteum Grosser Saal in Salzburg. Their repertoire demonstrates remarkable versatility, spanning traditional classical works by Brahms and Mendelssohn to contemporary compositions by living composers like Sem Hak and Valentina Ciardelli. Beyond their competitive successes, the Waldstein Trio has garnered significant support from prominent figures in the classical music world. Their collaborative approach and innovative interpretations have attracted the attention of music patrons and critics alike, positioning them as a promising ensemble in the contemporary classical music landscape.

Experience the timeless beauty of Chopin’s Polonaises and the dynamic synergy of live performances in an intimate and unforgettable setting. Witness Mikhail Kazakevich’s artistry as he redefines Chopin’s legacy.

THIS IS A RECORDED EVENT