Malofeev returns to SZ Concert Hall

Four years ago, 17-year-old Russian piano prodigy Alexander Malofeev impressed the local audience with his interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor” alongside the Lucerne Festival Orchestra under the baton of Riccardo Chailly.

Now, Malofeev returns to the Shenzhen stage for a solo piano recital.

The program this evening will include Georg Friedrich Handel’s “Suite in B-flat Major, HWV 434,” Henry Purcell’s“Ground in C Minor, ZD 221,”“Passacaglia in G Minor” by Georg Muffat, Bach’s “Concerto for Solo Organ No.2 in A Minor (after Vivaldi), BWV 593” adapted by Russian pianist and composer Samuil Feinberg for the piano, and two pieces by Rachmaninoff:“Etudes-tableaux, Op.33” and “Piano Sonata No.2 in B-flat Minor, Op.36.”

Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

Malofeev says that Rachmaninoff has had a huge influence on him, because “the traditional structure and romantic style typical of the composer relate to past traditions with its oozing nostalgia.”

For the first half of the concert, the pianist has chosen the Baroque pieces for an interesting contrast. In his opinion, the works of Baroque musicians such as Handel and Purcell exhibit a trace of modernity that speaks to the contemporary audience.

Malofeev came to international prominence in 2014 by winning the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians when only 13. His performances have garnered rave reviews from critics, with publications such as Der Standard declaring his debut at the Musikverein as “a world piano revolution.”

Maestro Chailly has particularly high recommendations for Malofeev, commenting that despite his young age, the pianist possesses depth and technical abilities as well as musical and mnemonic talent, which makes him an excellent interpreter of the 3rd concerto of Rachmaninoff, a challenging piece for many older than him.

Tickets: 80-680 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 17, Tuesday (tonight)

Booking: Official WeChat account “szyyt_piao”

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (福田区深圳音乐厅)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D