Spivakov’s Moscow Virtuosi to Perform in Toronto

Vladimir Spivakov, founder and conductor of the Moscow Virtuosi and music director of the National Philharmonic of Russia. (Christian Steiner/ CAMI)

Torontonians are in for a treat, as renowned conductor and violinist Vladimir Spivakov is returning with the Moscow Virtuosi to play at the Roy Thomson Hall on Nov. 18.

The soul stirring program will include Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 110 bis, and Boccherini’s Casa Del Diavolo.

“Boccherini’s symphony displays the orchestra’s virtuosity,” Spivakov told The Epoch Times.

The restless yet elegant symphony in D minor interchanges between cheerful and nerving tones.

“It reminds people that the devil is lurking behind the corner,” Spivakov said. “In order to conquer the devil, people need to return to God.”

The eerie theme is also seen in Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 110. Shostakovich reportedly wrote the symphony within three days back in 1960.

The Chamber Symphony in C minor resonates with deep torment, as if the spiritual side of a human was torn away.

Spivakov is considered one of the foremost violinists of his generation, having studied with Yuri Yankelevich at the Moscow Conservatory. He was a prizewinner at several competitions in Moscow, Paris, Genoa, and Montreal.

He is also a great humanitarian. As founder of the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation, the maestro helps gifted children study music, providing instruments and master classes as well as the opportunity to perform in international festivals and competitions.

He runs an international Festival called “Moscow Meet Friends” where gifted children from all over the world come to Moscow to celebrate music and friendship.

Spivakov also helps sick children; more than 100 children have received life-saving surgeries thanks to the foundation. His DVD called “Because I Love” will be sold during the Toronto concert with all the proceeds going to the foundation.

The program will also feature Russia’s honoured pianist Alexander Ghindin as soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat major. Lastly, Spivakov will perform as soloist in the Sonata for violin, chamber orchestra, and harpsichord by Alfred Schnittke.

Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi will perform at the Roy Thomson Hall on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 8 pm.