Russian virtuoso a master of the keyboard

Russian virtuoso a master of the keyboard

“His extraordinary intimacy with the piano, which withholds no secrets of keyboard brilliance or expressive colouring from him, maximises the potential in the scoring, however modest or extravagant, of whatever he chooses to play." [Gerald Larner, The Times]

The first three concerts in the Auckland Philharmonia’s 2004 Vero Premier Series were sold-out.

The fourth concert, and the first of three “celebrity concerts” in the series, is destined for a similar outcome, with Russian pianist Nikolai Demidenko making his Auckland Philharmonia début, performing the mighty Brahms Piano Concerto No.2.

Nikolai Demidenko is a pianist of distinction, a giant of the keyboard who plays with electrifying virtuosity, powerful insight and remarkable fluency in the great Russian tradition of Sviatoslav Richter and Vladimir Horowitz. He is celebrated around the world for both live performances and recordings, and is one of the few pianists on today’s concert circuit whom other performers want to see and hear live. His playing is captivating, and he justly deserves the prolonged ovation he regularly receives.

Werner Andreas Albert, who has become a firm favourite of Auckland Philharmonia musicians and audiences, returns to New Zealand to conduct this concert. This highly regarded German conductor has established a formidable reputation, built on a diverse repertoire ranging from the great classics of orchestral music, through unjustly forgotten works, to avant-garde contemporary compositions. He elicits playing of character, charm and eloquence from the orchestra, and is “a conductor who knows the secrets of nuance and phrasing”. (NZ Herald)

Experience these acclaimed artists in concert with the Auckland Philharmonia. Thursday 29 April – 8pm, Auckland Town Hall Programme: Hindemith: Ragtime Reger: Serenade Brahms: Piano Concerto No.2 Adult tickets from $20. Phone the Ticketek Orchestra Hotline on 307 5139.

The Auckland Philharmonia gratefully acknowledges Vero, the major sponsor of this series. The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

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