LES PRINTEMPS SLAVES 2025
International Festival of Slavic Music and Culture
Elvira Misbakhova, viola
Program
Sinfonia in G-major
František Ignác Antonín Tuma
Suite Berezovsky-Zakharava
A selection of sacred works by Maxim Berezovsky, arranged for string orchestra, in dialogue with Yuliya Zakharava’s recent compositions inspired by these works.
“Rennsteig”
Concerto No.2 for Viola, String Orchestra and Harpsichord, Op.41
Airat Ichmouratov
Elvira Misbakhova, viola
“Rennsteig”
The concerto draws its inspiration from the imaginative portrayal of a young Johann Sebastian Bach exploring the forests near his home. These vivid images, though fictionalized, evoke the spirit of the child who would grow to become one of the most iconic and influential composers in the history of music. Presented in a Neo-Baroque style (2025), the work captures a blend of historical reverence and modern creativity.
~:~
About the “Berezovsky–Zakharava” Suite
This suite brings together old and new in a powerful, unexpected way. At its heart are three moving pieces by Berezovsky — originally sacred works, now reimagined for strings. Without the original psalm texts, the music shifts from religious prayer to something more personal and emotional. It still touches the soul, just in a different way.
In response, Yuliya Zakharava adds her own voice with new compositions that are playful, ironic, and full of modern energy. Her music chats back to Berezovsky’s across time, creating a unique conversation between two very different worlds. This suite isn’t trying to recreate a church service — it’s something new: a revival that’s intimate, emotional, and free from boundaries.
