The upcoming concert of Russian violin maestro Vladimir Spivakov on September 8 is exciting news for Shanghai's classical music lovers.

"We've heard their heavenly music through records many times," says local music critic Li Yanhuan. "It's a real ensemble of celebrated musicians, most of whom are soloists. Spivakov himself is an outstanding representative of Russian violin school."

Spivakov is a remarkable musician with a multi-faceted career. He has performed both as a recitalist and orchestral soloist in major music capitals of the world. He has been a respected guest conductor with such renowned orchestras as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the founder, conductor and violin soloist of the Moscow Virtuosi. Under his leadership, it has developed into one of the world's leading chamber ensembles.

The music director and principal conductor of the Russian National Orchestra, Spivakov has taken the same title of a newly formed orchestra in Moscow - the National Philharmonic of Russia, comprised of the finest musicians in the country in 2003.

He will appear in Shanghai as both conductor and soloist, playing Bach's Concerto for Violin and Oboe, A. Shnitke's Sonata for Violin and Chamber Orchestra and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for String Instruments.

"He never shows off his remarkable skills and the priority in his playing is always ideas and thoughts," says Li. "I've heard his records during the Tchaikovsky competition. His playing was calm, deep and a bit sad, contained with a pure, spotless emotion."

A student of Yuri Yankelevich at the Moscow Conservatory, Spivakov quickly established himself as one of Russia's preeminent violinists and made his United States debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1975. Soon afterwards, he appeared as guest soloist with the orchestras of Cleveland, Pittsburgh and San Francisco.

He launched his conducting career in a triumphant 1979 performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival. The success of his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut encouraged him to establish the Moscow Virtuosi, a handpicked ensemble of top-ranking soloists drawn primarily from the principal chairs of the major orchestras in the country.

Spivakov has made more than 20 recordings with the Moscow Virtuosi of works ranging from Bach, Haydn and Mozart to Shostakovich, for the BMG/RCA Red Seal label.

"He is also a man of stunningly extensive hobbies, including literature, visual arts, architecture, sports and even psychology. He has even spent six years learning painting," says Li. "Although he complains the hobbies have taken time from his violin practice, they definitely enrich and inspire his music."

Date: September 8, 7:30pm
Address: Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Rd E.
Tickets: 100-680 yuan
Tel: 021-62172426

(China Daily September 1, 2006)