The first event of the Enescu Month in London is an exceptional display of instrumental mastery, a much awaited extraordinary concert. Violinists Gabriel Croitoru and Liviu Prunarubring their hugely successful 'Duel of Violins: Stradivarius vs. Guarnieri' to our 1 Belgrave Square stage. Accompanied by pianist Horia Mihail.
Programme:
1. Gabriel Croitoru (the Guarnieri violin) and Horia Mihail (piano)Pablo de Sarasate - 'Fiddler Songs'Angheluş Dinicu - 'The Lark'
2. Liviu Prunaru (the Stradivarius violin) and Horia Mihail (piano)Henryk Wieniawski - 'Polonaise de Concert No. 1 in D major'Grigoraş Dinicu - 'Hora staccato'
3. Gabriel Croitoru and Liviu Prunaru (the Guarnieri & Stradivarius violins), with Horia Mihail (piano)Astor Piazzolla / Mariano Castro - 'The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires'
(C) 'The Duel of Violins' is a production of Radio Romania Cultural and Accendo
An exceptional violinist, Gabriel Croitoru has conquered audiences in Romania and abroad with the mastery of his performances. Currently a soloist with the Radio Romania Orchestras and Choirs and the Philharmonic in Ploieşti, as well as a member of the 'Transylvanian' Quartet of the Philharmonic in Cluj-Napoca, Gabriel Croitoru is involved in wide-ranging projects such as 'The Duel of Violins' and 'Enescu's Violin in the Villages'. He teaches at the National University of Music in Bucharest. Gabriel Croitoru plays a Guarneri del Gesù violin dating from 1731.
Winner of gold and silver medals at famous international violin competitions, Liviu Prunaru made his New York debut with the Juilliard Symphony at the Lincoln Center. He has worked with renowned orchestras among which the Royal Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Leader of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, he is also a gifted teacher at the International Menuhin Music Academy, where he was Artistic Director. Every year, since 2011, he has been artistically involved in 'The Duel of Violins' national tour. Liviu Prunaru plays the Stradivarius 'Pachoud' violin dating from 1694.
A musician whose refinement shines brightly in his every concert or recital appearance, Horia Mihail is one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation. As a concert soloist with the Radio Romania Orchestras and Choirs, he gives numerous concerts and recitals in Bucharest and performs with orchestras around the country. His talent as a pianist has been rewarded with standing ovations at numerous recitals and concerts on four continents. Every year, he is involved in 'The Travelling Piano', 'The Duel of Violins', 'Three Divas', 'The Golden Flute', and 'Enescu's Violin in the Villages' national tours.
When: 22 January, 7pm
Where: Romanian Cultural Institute in London, 1 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PH
Admission is free, but places are limited. Please reserve your seat at Eventbrite.
