Concert Program
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Chorale Prelude "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" BWV 645 "Wachet auf" ("Wake up")
This prelude is based on the Lutheran hymn by Philipp Nicolai. The storyline revolves around the night watchmen’s call to awaken the city, symbolically reflecting spiritual awakening. Bach masterfully intertwined the simple church melody with other voices, creating one of his most renowned organ works.
Chorale Prelude "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" BWV 645 "Wachet auf" ("Wake up")
This prelude is based on the Lutheran hymn by Philipp Nicolai. The storyline revolves around the night watchmen’s call to awaken the city, symbolically reflecting spiritual awakening. Bach masterfully intertwined the simple church melody with other voices, creating one of his most renowned organ works.
Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868)
Overture to the opera "The Barber of Seville"
Rossini composed the overture in just a few days. Initially, it was intended for another opera and lay unused in a trunk for seven years until the composer adapted it for "The Barber of Seville."
Overture to the opera "The Barber of Seville"
Rossini composed the overture in just a few days. Initially, it was intended for another opera and lay unused in a trunk for seven years until the composer adapted it for "The Barber of Seville."
Pablo de Sarasate (1844–1908)
"Zigeunerweisen" ("Gypsy Airs")
"Gypsy Airs" by Sarasate is a musical painting in which the violin mimics the sound of Hungarian cimbalom. Although the melodies are stylized, the piece captures the spirit of Hungarian folk music.
"Zigeunerweisen" ("Gypsy Airs")
"Gypsy Airs" by Sarasate is a musical painting in which the violin mimics the sound of Hungarian cimbalom. Although the melodies are stylized, the piece captures the spirit of Hungarian folk music.
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
Étude in the form of a Waltz (arranged by Eugène Ysaÿe)
This elegant piano piece combines virtuosity and lightness. Ysaÿe’s arrangement for the violin transformed it into a true masterpiece, preserving the grace of the original while giving it a new voice.
Étude in the form of a Waltz (arranged by Eugène Ysaÿe)
This elegant piano piece combines virtuosity and lightness. Ysaÿe’s arrangement for the violin transformed it into a true masterpiece, preserving the grace of the original while giving it a new voice.
Georges Bizet (1838–1875)
Toreador Song from the opera "Carmen"
The Toreador Song from "Carmen" became a hit immediately after its premiere. It was sung on the streets of Paris, and the energy and rhythm of the music conveyed the passion of Spain. Although "Carmen" caused controversy at its debut, this part of the opera quickly gained popularity.
Toreador Song from the opera "Carmen"
The Toreador Song from "Carmen" became a hit immediately after its premiere. It was sung on the streets of Paris, and the energy and rhythm of the music conveyed the passion of Spain. Although "Carmen" caused controversy at its debut, this part of the opera quickly gained popularity.
George Gershwin (1898–1937)
Fantasy on "Porgy and Bess"
In "Porgy and Bess," Gershwin merged jazz, folk motifs, and opera, drawing inspiration from the African-American culture of the Gullah islands. This was groundbreaking—jazz elements were incorporated into an operatic composition for the first time.
Fantasy on "Porgy and Bess"
In "Porgy and Bess," Gershwin merged jazz, folk motifs, and opera, drawing inspiration from the African-American culture of the Gullah islands. This was groundbreaking—jazz elements were incorporated into an operatic composition for the first time.
Jerome Kern (1885–1945)
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," written for the musical "Roberta," became a jazz standard. It has been performed by numerous legendary musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. The romantic melody and lyrics about love that leaves "only smoke" made it immortal.
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," written for the musical "Roberta," became a jazz standard. It has been performed by numerous legendary musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. The romantic melody and lyrics about love that leaves "only smoke" made it immortal.
Raimond Valgre (1913–1949)
"Peagi saabun tagasi su juurde" ("Soon I’ll Return to You")
"Peagi saabun tagasi su juurde" ("Soon I’ll Return to You")
Rodolfo Falvo (1873–1937)
"Dicitencello vuje"
"Dicitencello vuje" is a Neapolitan song that became a hit immediately after its creation. It tells a story of love conveyed through a third party—"Tell her, your friend," making it a very unique piece.
"Dicitencello vuje"
"Dicitencello vuje" is a Neapolitan song that became a hit immediately after its creation. It tells a story of love conveyed through a third party—"Tell her, your friend," making it a very unique piece.
Leroy Anderson (1908–1975)
"Sleigh Ride"
"The Waltzing Cat"
"The Typewriter"
Leroy Anderson became famous for incorporating unusual sounds into classical music, such as the typewriter in "The Typewriter" or cats' meowing in "The Waltzing Cat." His music combines lightness, creativity, and melody, making each piece unique and instantly recognizable.
"Sleigh Ride"
"The Waltzing Cat"
"The Typewriter"
Leroy Anderson became famous for incorporating unusual sounds into classical music, such as the typewriter in "The Typewriter" or cats' meowing in "The Waltzing Cat." His music combines lightness, creativity, and melody, making each piece unique and instantly recognizable.
Performers
Kirill Varjas
cello
In 1998, he graduated from the P.I. Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory in the class of teacher A. Knyazev.
In 1984, he won the Moscow Young Cellists Regional Competition.
In 1989, he was the laureate of the Moscow Young Cellists Competition.
In 1998, he joined the "Sheremetiev Ensemble" (a piano quartet) as a member and leader.
In 2001, as part of the "Sheremetiev Ensemble," he became a Diploma recipient at the J. Brahms International Competition in Austria.
In 2002, with the "Sheremetiev Ensemble," he recorded an album of works by American composer John Mitchell.
In 2005, a new disc of the "Sheremetiev Ensemble" was released, featuring piano quartets by R. Schumann and J. Brahms.
From 2003 to 2018, he worked with the Russian National Orchestra under the direction of M. Pletnev.
Since 2012, he has been actively involved in the restoration and further development of what is called the Old School of Performance. Representatives of this school were Liszt, Paganini, Kontski, Chopin, Cortot, Rachmaninoff, Kreisler, Pyatigorsky, Shafran, and many other prominent musicians. One of the last representatives of this School is Martha Argerich, a performer who has most fully preserved the technological and musical techniques.
Since 2012, he has been teaching at the Cello Playing School.
Since 2018, he has been performing as a soloist. He has experience performing both solo and chamber concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, England, Singapore, Ukraine, and Russia.
Since 2022, he has been living in Latvia.
In 1984, he won the Moscow Young Cellists Regional Competition.
In 1989, he was the laureate of the Moscow Young Cellists Competition.
In 1998, he joined the "Sheremetiev Ensemble" (a piano quartet) as a member and leader.
In 2001, as part of the "Sheremetiev Ensemble," he became a Diploma recipient at the J. Brahms International Competition in Austria.
In 2002, with the "Sheremetiev Ensemble," he recorded an album of works by American composer John Mitchell.
In 2005, a new disc of the "Sheremetiev Ensemble" was released, featuring piano quartets by R. Schumann and J. Brahms.
From 2003 to 2018, he worked with the Russian National Orchestra under the direction of M. Pletnev.
Since 2012, he has been actively involved in the restoration and further development of what is called the Old School of Performance. Representatives of this school were Liszt, Paganini, Kontski, Chopin, Cortot, Rachmaninoff, Kreisler, Pyatigorsky, Shafran, and many other prominent musicians. One of the last representatives of this School is Martha Argerich, a performer who has most fully preserved the technological and musical techniques.
Since 2012, he has been teaching at the Cello Playing School.
Since 2018, he has been performing as a soloist. He has experience performing both solo and chamber concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, England, Singapore, Ukraine, and Russia.
Since 2022, he has been living in Latvia.
Tatiana Chigorskaya piano
Pianist, accompanist, teacher, arranger, author of lectures and courses for children.
Graduated with honors in 2008 from the Belarusian State Academy of Music, winner of state and international competitions. Since 2011, she has been living in Riga, where she maintains an active concert and educational career.
2001 International Competition "Music" Minsk, Belarus - 2nd place winner
2003 State Competition "Playing with Orchestra" Minsk, Belarus - 2nd place winner 2006 Performance of Shostakovich's 1st Concerto with orchestra
2008 Chamber Ensemble Competition "Orpheus" Grodno, Belarus - 3rd place winner
2013 Competition "Art of the 21st Century" June 11-22 Mänttä and Lempäala, Finland, Stockholm - Sweden In the accompanist category - 1st place
2014 16th International Competition "EUTERPE" In the Chamber Ensemble category - 1st place
2015 25th International Music Competition "Citta di Barletta" In the Chamber Ensemble category - 1st place
Graduated with honors in 2008 from the Belarusian State Academy of Music, winner of state and international competitions. Since 2011, she has been living in Riga, where she maintains an active concert and educational career.
2001 International Competition "Music" Minsk, Belarus - 2nd place winner
2003 State Competition "Playing with Orchestra" Minsk, Belarus - 2nd place winner 2006 Performance of Shostakovich's 1st Concerto with orchestra
2008 Chamber Ensemble Competition "Orpheus" Grodno, Belarus - 3rd place winner
2013 Competition "Art of the 21st Century" June 11-22 Mänttä and Lempäala, Finland, Stockholm - Sweden In the accompanist category - 1st place
2014 16th International Competition "EUTERPE" In the Chamber Ensemble category - 1st place
2015 25th International Music Competition "Citta di Barletta" In the Chamber Ensemble category - 1st place
Alexey Bahir – Violin
Alexey Bahir is a laureate of national and international competitions. He has performed with the chamber orchestra Junge Philharmonie Köln in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
From 2007 to 2017, he worked in the state chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, and since 2017, he has held the position of assistant concertmaster in the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he occasionally performs with the orchestra Kremerata Baltica.
Currently, alongside his successful career in academic music, Alexey actively participates in non-academic projects, including jazz, rock, and improvisational music. His diverse interests and skills make him a sought-after musician on both the classical stage and in various modern music genres.
Alexey actively collaborates with contemporary composers and often performs modern works, promoting their popularization and expanding the repertoire of contemporary violin music.
Moreover, Alexey is a participant in various international music festivals and projects.
He tours actively with the string quartet 4'33", the ensemble Bm/C – Brīvās Mūzikas Centrs (Free Music Center), and the group Retro Ltd. He also takes part in recording music for modern films, contributing to the creation of contemporary film soundtracks.
From 2007 to 2017, he worked in the state chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, and since 2017, he has held the position of assistant concertmaster in the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he occasionally performs with the orchestra Kremerata Baltica.
Currently, alongside his successful career in academic music, Alexey actively participates in non-academic projects, including jazz, rock, and improvisational music. His diverse interests and skills make him a sought-after musician on both the classical stage and in various modern music genres.
Alexey actively collaborates with contemporary composers and often performs modern works, promoting their popularization and expanding the repertoire of contemporary violin music.
Moreover, Alexey is a participant in various international music festivals and projects.
He tours actively with the string quartet 4'33", the ensemble Bm/C – Brīvās Mūzikas Centrs (Free Music Center), and the group Retro Ltd. He also takes part in recording music for modern films, contributing to the creation of contemporary film soundtracks.
Alexey Blyakhin
baritone (Estonia)
Born in Estonia, graduated from the University of Tartu with a gold diploma in Physics. Works in the field of information technology.
"By education, I'm a physicist; by profession, a programmer. About 15 years ago, I became fascinated with psychology, and I realized that the best way to understand something is to explain it to someone else, so I started giving lectures on psychology.
Then I discovered that it's better to examine different psychological situations through literary works. It's much more effective than just saying: 'Well, one of my friends...' And 15 years ago, I met a wonderful person — Mikhail Kazinik. And he made me fall in love with classical music.
Although I don't have a musical education, I realized that talking about music is even more interesting than talking about psychology. So I started doing lecture-concerts.
2018 - "Secrets of Opera" 2019 - "Secrets of Eugene Onegin Opera" 2020 - "Songs and Romances to Silver Age Poets' Verses" 2021 - "Physics and History of Music" 2022 - "Generators of Hope" - benefit concert for Ukrainian medical institutions 2022 - "Music of Love" 2022 - "You Are My Melody" (some of these concerts are available recorded at duoclassico.eu)
Author of a psychology lecture series. Author of the book "Kitties Engineers: Theory of Constraints 2023" Winner of international competitions, baritone.
"By education, I'm a physicist; by profession, a programmer. About 15 years ago, I became fascinated with psychology, and I realized that the best way to understand something is to explain it to someone else, so I started giving lectures on psychology.
Then I discovered that it's better to examine different psychological situations through literary works. It's much more effective than just saying: 'Well, one of my friends...' And 15 years ago, I met a wonderful person — Mikhail Kazinik. And he made me fall in love with classical music.
Although I don't have a musical education, I realized that talking about music is even more interesting than talking about psychology. So I started doing lecture-concerts.
2018 - "Secrets of Opera" 2019 - "Secrets of Eugene Onegin Opera" 2020 - "Songs and Romances to Silver Age Poets' Verses" 2021 - "Physics and History of Music" 2022 - "Generators of Hope" - benefit concert for Ukrainian medical institutions 2022 - "Music of Love" 2022 - "You Are My Melody" (some of these concerts are available recorded at duoclassico.eu)
Author of a psychology lecture series. Author of the book "Kitties Engineers: Theory of Constraints 2023" Winner of international competitions, baritone.
Tickets
Those who have already attended our concerts have noticed that tickets don't have a fixed price; it constantly changes. But the general principle is simple: the earlier you buy a ticket, the cheaper it will be for you.
The ticket price increases approximately every two or three days. It's similar to airline tickets - the closer to the flight date, the more expensive the tickets become.
The ticket price increases approximately every two or three days. It's similar to airline tickets - the closer to the flight date, the more expensive the tickets become.
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Contact details
- Aleksei Bljahhin