Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy
Prepare to be amazed by Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy as they perform a four-hands, one-piano recital that showcases the rare chemistry of two first-rate pianists working seamlessly as one.
Their programme opens with Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, whose primal power is intensified by the raw immediacy of the piano. Their rendition immediately plunges into a visceral intensity, compressing Stravinsky's orchestral forces into an astonishing piano duet that feels both dangerous and magnetic. Desyatnikov’s piece follows, Trompe-l'œil, bringing a vibrant, playful, and almost crystalline energy to the stage, while Schubert’s duet-fantasia closes the programme with a profound, intimate dialogue – less a performance than a shared, whispered revelation between partners in life and at the piano. Schubert’s now-iconic work, where the two pianists share an unbroken musical conversation, is both intimate and revealing. Susan Miron, of The Arts Fuse, writes: ‘The duo’s performance of Schubert’s Fantasy is stunning … [it] is as good as or better than many made by far more famous pianists.’ The pair have performed at Carnegie Hall, New York, and the Barbican Centre, London.
Kolesnikov’s innovative approach has enchanted audiences, especially during his seven-concert Aldeburgh Festival residency in 2023, where his performances integrated theatrical elements, video projections, and unexpected staging to intensify the music’s emotional impact. Whether playing solo or alongside Tsoy, Kolesnikov’s artistry defies expectations, drawing audiences into a deeply immersive and contemplative musical experience. This concert promises a thrilling blend of technical mastery and visual drama that you won’t want to miss.