Musical Saturday

«Musical Alliance» Series

Concert

Musical Saturday

THE CONCERT IS HELD IN KAZAKH AND RUSSIAN LANGUAGES

Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Please note that the age limit is 10+

Management reserves the right to substitute performers and works performed

The concert “Musical Saturday” from the “Musical Alliance” series will feature artists of the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and young musicians who frequently perform in the capital.

The evening programme includes masterpieces of chamber music from 19th- and 20th-century composers (A. Borodin, L. F. Scharwenka, M. Ravel).

The highlight of Russian chamber music in the 19th century is Alexander Borodin’s Second Quartet, an inspired, lyrical expression. The music’s feelings resonate with purity and nobility, and Borodin’s lyricism, for all its tenderness and intimacy, is imbued with a bright, joyful colour. The quartet was dedicated to Borodin’s wife, a compassionate friend, supporter and talented pianist, Ekaterina Borodina.

Ludwig Philipp Scharwenka (1847 1917) was a German composer and music teacher whose work is primarily defined by piano music. His compositions stand as worthy representations in the romantic tradition tracing back to Schubert, Mendelssohn and Chopin.

After the premiere of Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in Paris in 1904, audiences received the work warmly, though critics had mixed opinions. Some noted a direct influence from Debussy, while others highlighted an emotional restraint and return to classical roots. Still, there were enthusiastic reviews, like that of critic J. Marno in Mercure de France, who said: “This is a work of skilled and powerful musicality; the form is clear, following a classical structure; the inspiration is unbound by formula, free of bombastic pomp, and flows effortlessly...”

Ultimately, the Quartet remains one of the pieces, as Prokofiev noted, that can enrich any programme.

PROGRAMME:

A. Borodin: String Quartet No. 2 in D Major

1. Allegro moderato

2. Scherzo: Allegro

3. Notturno: Andante

4. Finale: Andante Vivace

Performers:

Alina Oraztay (first violin)

Marzhan Seitbek (second violin)

Madina Nurpeissova (viola)

Rassima Nakyspekova (cello)

L. F. Scharwenka: Piano Trio Op. 121 in E Minor

Andantino tranquillo

Un poco lento -

Finale. Allegretto con spirit

Performers:

Zaru Zhazykbayeva (piano)

Irina Dolgikh (violin)

Olessya Morozova (viola)

M. Ravel: String Quartet in F Major

1. Allegro moderato

2. Assez vif, très rythmé

3. Très lent

4. Vif et agité

Performers:

Indira Nurlybay (first violin)
Saniya Isabekova (second violin)
Tomiris Baigazinova (viola)
Dariya Kenzhebayeva (cello)

Tickets purchased at the Astana Opera are exchangeable and refundable only in cases of cancelled or postponed performances. In all other cases, no refunds and exchanges are possible