Russian pianist Demidenko to perform at the University of Surrey

Monday 6 October 2008

The Music department at the University of Surrey is delighted to welcome back pianist and Visiting Professor Nikolai Demidenko for his first performance of the new academic year. Following concert highlights this season that have included appearances with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra and Sinfonia Lahti, and tours in the UK and Ireland with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, in addition to his concerto appearance on the recent TV series Maestro, it is a privilege to have him return to the University.

Nikolai Demidenko’s passionate pianism means that he is in demand worldwide. He is one of the most physically powerful pianists around but he has a gift of masterfully combining this with a rare poetry and spirituality, which make his performances "never-less than thought-provoking and intensely musical" [Gramophone]. Russian born and trained, he is renowned for his authoritative performances of the Russian concerto repertoire such as Prokofiev, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky and has worked with many conductors and orchestras throughout the world. His repertoire is nonetheless wide-ranging and this Sunday’s concert will include Brahms’ Sonata No 3 in F minor and Schumann’s Etudes Symphoniques.

"His extraordinary intimacy with the piano, which withholds no secrets of keyboard brilliance or expressive colouring from him, maximises the potential in the scoring, however modest or extravagant, of whatever he chooses to play".

Gerald Larner, The Times

"Demidenko’s razor-sharp articulacy and immaculate dexterity are complemented by the finest musical grace and individuality…never less than thought-provoking and intensely musical". Gramophone

Tickets can be booked from the Box Office on 01483 686876 at £15, £13 senior citizens or £5 concessions. The concert takes place in the PATS Building Studio One on the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill Campus, Guildford, GU2 7XH, at 3.30pm.