Russian Stars Shine for InClassica's Closing Concert
InClassica 2021 is the biggest and most ambitious music festival to ever take place in the Middle East, welcoming a staggering 37 world-renowned soloists, 7 celebrated orchestras and 11 leading conductors to Dubai for a 30-day celebration of sublime musicianship, world-class performance and international collaboration. InClassica is pleased to present the biggest names in classical music today, featuring performers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, for an unrivalled programme of phenomenal concerts taking place at the Dubai Opera and Coca-Cola Arena. The festival features a range of music from distinguished historical European composers, as well as works from the event’s Composer-in-Residence, Alexey Shor.
Last night at InClassica
Grand Finale
Coca-Cola Arena
Denis Matsuev is considered one of the best pianists in the world and the most important contemporary representative of the Russian piano school. As such, Matsuev played Sergei Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3, a piece which was an immediate success at its première in 1909 and has been one of the most cherished piano concerts of the 20th century, ever since. Conducted by Alexander Sladkovsky, the Russian National Orchestra, puts Rachmaninov's virtuoso piece together with Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, valued as one of the best symphonies by the composer and counted among the most played compositions of the late 19th century.
Denis Matsuev (piano)
“This was a special evening. I often play this concerto [Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto] with Alexander Sladkovsky. I've played it over two hundred times all over the world and every time I feel like it's the first time. I will never forget the first performance with this concert. I was then thirteen years old and it was in my cold city of Irkutsk. After the concert, I was the happiest in the world, this is such a musical Everest. This is my business card, but not only mine, but also the business card of Russian culture, the repertoire of pianists. Alexander feels this music very especially, he is also Russian. He has a special connection with Russian music. I am happy to present this concert in Dubai today. Someone asked me a question today: ‘How do you feel about the fact that they clap me between the parts, stamp their feet?’ This is a manifestation of a pure heart. If it goes for real, then it's all transferred to you. I am very glad that such a festival was held here. I congratulate you all. It's wonderful to start something new in a new place. It is clear that this development is not fast. It is clear that one festival will not turn it all around. But all this is nothing compared to the energy charge coming from the hall. I wish you good health and good music. Because music is good — the best vaccine in the world."
Alexander Sladkovsky
"It is always an honour to represent Russian music all over the world, because it is beautiful, self-sufficient and amazing. And it is a great joy to perform the works of Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky at such a large-scale music festival as InClassica. Therefore, a huge compliment to all the organisers, the entire team that works for the result. There is a sense of coherence here, like in a good orchestra. It's great, at this time it was possible to come to Dubai, see how everything is developing here and participate in such a musical festival."
Quotes From Those in Attendance:
“What a performance! Denis Matsuev was amazing, I’m so glad I came to see him tonight. Bravo!” — audience member
“The selection of pieces this evening was great and the piano encores were fantastic! What a great concert, thanks to everyone involved.” — audience member
“I can honestly say this has been a really incredible event and a great way to finish the festival.” — audience member
The 2021 Edition of the InClassica International Music Festival was organised by the European Foundation for Support of Culture and SAMIT Event Group, with daily concerts taking place from the 28th of August until the 26th of September. For further information regarding any of our other projects, please contact the EUFSC.