I had the pleasure of attending a short concert at the Rossotrudnichestvo Centre in Kensington last night. I know Kensington well, but had no idea that this venue even existed tucked away as it is just off the main high street. The concert was in aid of the Russian Virtuosi of Europe, which is a small string chamber orchestra established in 2004 by violinist Yuri Zhislin. All members of the orchestra are Russian but are based in the UK and Europe.

The concert was introduced by Russian pianist Olga Balakleets, Artistic Director of Ensemble Productions, who organised this performance. The programme consisted of Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Bartók. I was immediately struck by the beautiful rich sound produced by the orchestra.

Both Tchaikovsky’s ‘Andante Cantabile’ and Grieg’s Holberg Suite, the latter of which was the highlight of the concert in my opinion, were meticulously phrased and shaped whilst employing a wide and varied tonal palate. Yuri performed his own arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Melody for violin and string orchestra, and the concert concluded with a selection of Bartók’s Romanian Dances which, as might be expected, were full of rhythmic energy and spirit.

In a short speech Yuri explained how the orchestra requires funding for future tours and recordings which served as a stark reminder of the perpetual difficulties surrounding establishing chamber ensembles. Sadly, all orchestras seem to face funding issues and crisis periodically. However, by attending and supporting concerts, audiences can help. 

The Russian Virtuosi of Europe’s forthcoming engagements include performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg in November followed by Cadogan Hall in London on 23rd November and King’s Place, also in London, on May 12th 2013. If you enjoy listening to fine string playing, you won’t want to miss these events.