Mahan Esfahani and Michala Petri’s debut recording together has won the 2016 International Classical Music Award in the category Best Baroque Instrumental. Receiving much critical acclaim when it was released, ‘Corelli: La Follia’ – a disc of six violin sonatas transcribed for recorder – was Chamber Choice in BBC Music Magazine, which described the duo’s playing as “an invigorating ensemble effort, each sparking off the other to foster a captivating directness whether sparkling or soulful”. The disc was also Editor’s Choice in Gramophone, hailing it as “a recording that will repay repeated listening as a masterclass in musical collaboration. It breaks new and higher ground”.
Mahan and Michala have been collaborating for over two years and in that time the duo have recorded two albums, both on the OUR Recordings label, and given concerts in Denmark and the UK. Their second disc ‘UK-DK’ – a celebration of modern and contemporary music by Danish and British composers – was described as “a wonderful advert for this instrumental pairing and for virtuosity in general” (Gramophone) and received its launch last year at a recital at Wigmore Hall.
This award acknowledges a remarkable musical partnership, reflecting the innovative approaches to programming by two extraordinary musicians.
Now in its sixth year, the 2016 International Classical Music Awards (ICMA) ceremony will take place on 1st April at a gala concert in San Sebastian.
To learn more about ICMA and to see the full list of winners please click here.
