Russian Superstar Musicians Perform for ‘Amici della Musica’

Two Russian virtuosi – pianist Nikolai Lungansky and violinist Vadim Repin are headlining in Florence the weekend of February 3 – 4 under the auspices of the Amici della Musica.

Known for his depth of interpretation and versatility of playing, Nikolai Lugansky will share the stage with Vadim Repin on Saturday at Teatro della Pergola (4 pm).  A child prodigy, Repin has shared the stage with all the most important orchestras in the world.  They will present Debussy’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor, the French composer’s last major work; Grieg’s lively and dark Violin Sonata n, 3, op. 45; and Franck’s Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, regarded as one of the best pieces of the genre.  Repin0s recordings of compositions by Russian musicians are best sellers, and another recording — that of the sonatas of Grieg, Janáček and Franck — with Nikolai Lugansky, won the BBC Music Award.  Repin performs on a 1733 Antonio Stradivari violin.

Lugansky is especially known for his renditions of Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Chopin and Debussy.  During the 150th anniversary celebrations of Rachmaninov’s birth in 2023, he performed the composer’s entire repertoire composed for soloists in the great opera houses and theatres across Europe.  He also participates in major festivals such as Tanglewood, Aspen, Ravinia and Verbier.

On Sunday, he will solo at Teatro Niccolini (9 pm) in a program featuring the works of Mendelssohn, Chopin and Rachmaninov.