Russian Pianist returns to Greytown

Russian pianist Oleg Marshev will open the Greytown Music Group’s 2020 concert series, with a fascinating programme called “Dialogue: Chopin and Scriabin”. Oleg says “Chopin determined the development of romantic piano music, and had a huge influence on later composers for the piano. I was particularly attracted by the connection with the great Russian composer, Scriabin, who, in his earlier years, was much inspired by Chopin. He used the same forms that were typical of Chopin.” 

The programme will consist of Polonaises, Nocturnes, Valses, Mazurkas and Fantasias by both composers.

Born in Baku, Azerbaijan,Oleg attended the Gnesin School for Highly Gifted Children, and then studied at the Moscow Conservatory. He competed successfully in various competitions, and made his New York debut in 1991. Oleg now lives in Milan, is a professor at the Anton Bruckner University in Liev, Austria, and regularly performs throughout the world, giving solo recitals, playing concertos with orchestras, and holding master classes. He is the first pianist ever to have recorded the complete works for piano by the Great Russian Four: Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev and Shostakovich.

This will be Oleg’s 9th tour of New Zealand. He enjoys touring the smmall towns especially, describing his concerts here as being great fun, with enthusiastic audiences. Oleg says “It is a very nice feeling to come back to the same places, meeting old friends, and bringing new programmes.” He last played in Greytown in 2013.

The concert will be at 4pm on Sunday 5 April, at 57 Wood Street, Greytown. Bookings are advisable – contact Ed and Juliet Cooke on 06 304 9497, or email them on efjacooke@gmail.com to reserve a seat. Admission is $25 for adults, and $10 for students.