Bach’s Goldberg Variations for a String Trio with Rachlin, McElravy and Andrianov

Violin virtuoso Dmitry Sitkovetsky created an original string trio arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations in the 1980s, and this modern classic will be performed at Teatro della Pergola on Saturday, November 22 at 4 pm.

Originally composed for the keyboard, this version will be interpreted by guest artists Julian Rachlin (violin), Sarah McElravy (viola) and Boris Andrianov (cello).  The concert is organized by Florence’s Amici della Musica (Friends of Music) chamber music organization.

Born in Lithuania, Rachlin moved with his family to Vienna at age three.  He was a student of Pichas Zukerman in New York, and was mentored in conducting by Mariss Jansons, Sophie Rachlin and Daniele Gatti.  He is the musical conductor of the Jerusalem Symphonic Orchestra and has been hired at the principal guest conductor of the German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate.  Rachlin will be playing a 1704 Stradivarius violin.

He will share the stage with Sarah McElravy from Canada, one of the top violists in the world, and the equally renowned Russian cellist Boris Andrianov. The latter also teaches at the Moscow Conservatory.

Sitkovetsky’s string trio arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations was a homage to Canadian pianist Glenn Gould (1932 – 1982), who was famous for his renditions of Bach’s composition.