A classically trained pianist, originally from Russia, is set to perform in Chester.
Rebekka Magomédova, now based in the UK, will take the stage at St Mary’s Creative Space on Sunday, April 19, as part of an intimate concert of Russian art songs.
The concert, titled Russian Art Songs, is presented by London-based Floating Opera and will also feature baritone Efim Zaválny.
Ms Magomédova said: "The decision to bring this concert to Chester — a city where we are still unknown — has a very personal story behind it.
"In October 2024, I came to Chester for the first time, performing at Storyhouse in a programme of Tchaikovsky ballets, covering the harp part on keyboard.
"During the interval, I stepped into the foyer and saw the words 'This is a place that can heal and hold you safe. Stranger, welcome home.'
"For someone who, in the space of two years, had lost their home, their friends, those words felt like an embrace.
"That moment has stayed with me ever since — and it led to the decision to return to Chester with this programme."
The one-hour concert will be performed in Russian.
Programme notes and English translations will be available for all attendees.
In addition to art songs, the concert will include Ukrainian composer Fyodor Akimenko’s Fantasy for Piano and Tchaikovsky’s Sentimental Waltz.
Ms Magomédova, a former artist of the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, described the personal significance of the event.
She said: "For me today, performing Russian music is above all a way of staying connected to a sense of home, memory and language.
"This programme brings together some of the most beautiful and expressive works in the Russian vocal repertoire."
She will be joined by internationally renowned baritone Efim Zaválny, who performed with the Mariinsky Theatre from 2016 to 2022 and has since relocated to London.
Mr Zaválny began his career in 2008 at the Komi Republic State Opera and Ballet Theatre and has performed across Europe and the US.
He most recently appeared as a soloist at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in Baku before moving to the UK.
Full concert details and tickets are available at www.thefloatingopera.co.uk.
Share