The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall
Following its successful debut at Shenzhen Concert Hall last May, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, ranked among the world's top 10, will return to the venue this Sunday.
Under the baton of maestro Nikolai Alexeev, the orchestra will perform Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat Major" and Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 7 in C Major," also known as "Leningrad." Pianist Daniel Kharitonov, who won third prize at the 15th Tchaikovsky International Competition at the age of 16, will be the soloist.
A "People's Artist of Russia," Alexeev began his conducting career on the opera stage of the Kirov Theater, now known as the Mariinsky Theater. After winning first prize at the Herbert von Karajan Competition in Berlin in 1982, he gained international recognition and has since worked with numerous prominent orchestras worldwide.
Nikolai Alexeev.
Succeeding Mariss Jansons, Alexeev has led the St. Petersburg Philharmonic for two decades, maintaining authentic interpretations of Russian classics while championing contemporary works.
An outstanding interpreter of Prokofiev and Stravinsky, he also conducted the world premiere of Russian composer Boris Tishchenko's "Dante Symphonies" and the Russian premiere of Rodion Shchedrin's "Concerto Cantabile."
The St. Petersburg Philharmonic traces its origins back to the era of Tsar Alexander III. In 1917, it was renamed the State Orchestra.
St. Petersburg was the center of 18th- and 19th-century Russian music and the home of Michael Glinka, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, and Aleksandr Borodin — all of whose works became part of the orchestra's repertoire. In the 20th century, the orchestra premiered five of Shostakovich's symphonies.
Daniel Kharitonov.
Joining the orchestra at Sunday's concert is young pianist Kharitonov, who rose to fame after his success at the Tchaikovsky Competition. Representing a new generation of pianists, Kharitonov combines powerful dynamism, unrestrained passion, and profound depth in his performances.
Composed in 1917 by a young Prokofiev in Paris, the composer's first piano concerto overflows with youthful energy — an energy Kharitonov promises to bring to life with his dazzling virtuosity.
Tickets: 280-1,280 yuan
Time: 8 p.m., June 22
Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅) Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children's Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D
