The great Russian conductor, Yuri Simonov tours major German cities with his orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic between January 27th and February 2nd.
January 27th Philharmonie, Berlin. 8.00
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3. George Li
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
January 28th Meistersingerhalle, Nürnberg. 7.30
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3. George Li
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
January 29th Philharmonie, Essen. 8.00
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3. George Li
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 (Polish)
February 1st Rosengarten, Mannheim. 8.00
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3. George Li
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 (Polish)
February 2nd Philharmonie im Gasteig, Munich. 3.00
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1. George Li
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6.
An earlier tour of the UK this season found the orchestra and Mo. Simonov in top form:
"Yuri Simonov...presiding over his mostly young and intensely committed players with a meticulous beat and occasional imperious gestures in the grand style..." - Alexander Hall, bachtrack
"It is always a pleasure to welcome back to Cardiff the superlatively virtuosic Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra under their characterful conductor Yuri Simonov...the internal balances were superbly judged, and the projection of the trumpets at the climax were thrillingly calico-tearing in the best Russian tradition." - Paul Corfield Godfrey, seenandheardinternational
"Yuri Simonov really stole the show. While being always poised and elegant in conducting, it appeared as though he was dancing along to the highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and, later, Kachaturian’s Gayaneh. Both funny and captivating, his conducting ensured a smooth and almost flawless performance which kept the audience wanting more. While Simonov made a show of looking at his watch as the audience seemed unable to stop clapping, it was clear that he had no intention of leaving so soon. There was room for many surprises, such as the Czardas and Spanish Dance from Swan Lake. The atmosphere of complicity between the audience and the orchestra on stage added even more magic to an already perfect night. Finally, his undeniable talent and astonishing sense of humour earned Simonov a well-deserved standing ovation...." - Miranda Heggie, theartsdesk
"The musicians of the Moscow Philharmonic must have played all three pieces in their all-Russian programme countless times, but under the rather imperious, aristocratic direction of Yuri Simonov, they tackled this music as if for the first time, in all its beauty, wonder and rawness too." - David Kettle, The Scotsman
"one of the great Russian conductors..." - Gregor Tassie, Seen and Heard International