The First Violin Concerto by Shostakovich brings back memories of the Russian violinist’s first meeting with Mstislav Rostropovich – an encounter that blossomed into firm friendship.
In 1994, when I was 19 years old, I was ridiculously busy. I was performing 130 concerts per year … Read the full interview from the Strad Magazine
Thirteen years ago, Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov hung up his bow and darted for the hills. Having now returned to playing, he celebrates 40 years on the concert stage with a renewed enthusiasm and a burgeoning conducting career. Richard Morrison meets him … read the full article
The Russian-born musician discusses shaking up his creative approach and learning to conduct.
It takes blood, sweat and air miles to be a world-famous violinist. When I meet Maxim Vengerov, he has flown into London for just one day to give interviews. Ours has been scheduled right at the end, in a bar so noisy that I can barely hear him. But if Vengerov is worn out, he doesn’t show it. Leading me to the bar, he asks if I’m a musician. When I tell him I play the violin, he laughs. “Nobody’s perfect.” Even the possibility of missing his return flight fails to wipe away his smile.
When you Start your IDAGIO Premium subscription, enter voucher Code “MAXIM VENGEROV” in your account settings and Enjoy!
Throughout the year, Classic FM will broadcast exclusive recordings from Vengerov – one of the world’s greatest living violinists – including concertos by Brahms and Tchaikovsky.
The appointment comes ahead of the musician’s special anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall this summer, celebrating 40 years on stage.
