We are delighted to announce that the legendary Borodin Quartet have appointed Nikolai Sachenko as their new first violinist following the retirement of Ruben Aharonian.
Nikolai Sachenko commented: “The uncompromising pursuit of excellence in musical interpretations has been an unchanging tradition of the Borodin Quartet throughout its glorious long history. I am happy to join my friends and colleagues of the Quartet and, together in our shared passion for the quartet world, I hope to continue this remarkable tradition of musical eminence!”
Winner of the violin gold medal of the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1998, Sachenko has performed with many acclaimed conductors and orchestras in Russia, Japan, USA, China, throughout Europe and Latin America, performing also in ensembles with Yuri Bashmet, Gidon Kremer, Lynn Harrell among others, appearing at international festivals in Beijing, Kronberg, Prague, and at the Rostropovich Festival in Evian.
Ruben Aharonian had joined the Borodin Quartet in 1996, after having enjoyed a highly successful career as a soloist and conductor. During his almost 25 years in the Quartet, Aharonian leaves a towering legacy in the same way that the former long-standing members of the group such as Rostislav Dubinsky, Mikhail Kopelman, Valentin Berlinsky, Andrei Abramenkov, and Dmitri Shebalin did.
Nikolai Sachenko joins colleagues Sergei Lomovsky (violin), Igor Naidin (viola) and Vladimir Balshin (cello) who say: “We would like to express our greatest appreciation to the magnificent maestro Ruben Aharonian for leading the Quartet for almost a quarter of a century. Those have been unforgettable years, playing concerts together in the best halls around the globe.
We warmly welcome our new colleague Nikolai Sachenko – he is a brilliant violinist, a first-class professional and a dear friend who loves chamber music immensely. With Nikolai we are looking forward to a successful collaboration with many interesting projects and programmes for our beloved audiences.”
Formed in 1945, the Borodin Quartet has retained its distinct identity as well as its immediately recognisable sound and unique style. The ensemble’s remarkable continuity of aesthetic values and the dedication of its members, past and present, is an extraordinary achievement. The Borodin Quartet looks forward to carrying on the tradition of the original group.
Upcoming performances:
24 September, BOZAR Brussels
27 September, Konzerthaus Berlin
22 November, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic St George's Hall
24 November, Wigmore Hall London
8 December, Amsterdam Concertgebouw
10 December, Amsterdam Concertgebouw
Full concert list here: Concerts | Borodin Quartet
