Absolute Classics presents another internationally-acclaimed classical duo for its February Series.
Celebrated young musicians, Svetlana Mochalova, cello, and Slava Sidorenko, piano begin a three-day tour of the region at Langholm’s Buccleuch Centre, on Thursday, February 19, with a stunning programme of favourite classics. The event starts at 7.30pm.
The pair then move to the Cavens Country House Hotel, Kirkbean, on Saturday, 21 February, for an intimate concert with dinner and drinks reception at 6.30pm.
Both programmes include Schumann Adagio and Allegro; Beethoven Sonata op.5 no.2; James McMillan Kiss on Wood; and Myaskovsky cello sonata no.2.
On Sunday, February 23, the musicians will give an afternoon performance at the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel in Thornhill where the programme, which starts at 3.30pm, includes Brahms’ Sonata in E minor and six songs arr. cello and piano (selection); Scriabin preludes for piano; and Rachmaninoff cello and piano sonata.
Russian-born Svetlana is a former student of Alexander Pokrovsky and was recommended for a full UK scholarship by the great Mstislav Rostropovich. She was recently awarded the second prize at Bromsgrove Festival International Young Musicians’ Platform and is a current member of Southbank Sinfonia, Ensemble Deva and Britten-Pears Young Artist 2014.
She met Ukrainian-born Slava, who she describes as “a brilliant pianist”, when studying at the Royal London College of Music and the pair have been performing together ever since.
She said: “We have really prepared for these concerts and put a lot of thought into the programmes.
“We bring a carefully chosen mix of old favourites as well as some new works to provide a blend of moods, characters and experiences.
“We are both looking forward to coming to Dumfries and Galloway and meeting new audiences.”
Absolute Classics director, Alex McQuiston, added: “Once again, it is a great pleasure to introduce two such talented and high quality classical performers to the region.
“Slatvana and Slavo are exceptionally gifted musicians who have both performed solo at the Wigmore Hall and some of the country’s biggest classical venues to very high praise.
“It’s an honour to bring such talent to the people of Dumfries and Galloway who would otherwise have to travel to the big cities to hear such high calibre classical music.
“The whole ethos of our charity is to bring big names and the rising stars of the industry to audiences throughout the region who do not have easy or regular access to this genre.
“Our aim is to break down social and economic barriers through the sharing of a common theme: the experience of some of the greatest classical music performed by the best in the industry available to all.”
Info and Tickets at http://www.absoluteclassics.co.uk/
