Free Cello & Piano Recital by Duo PiaCello

Maria and Ugnius, both distinguished soloists in their own right, regularly combine their passion and expertise as the acclaimed chamber group Duo PiaCello, who gave one of their first performances together back in July 2022.

We are thrilled to be welcoming them back now with a programme centred on the second of two cello sonatas by Leokadiya Kashperova, widely considered the most gifted student of Anton Rubinstein — her virtuosity is attested by the piano writing in the Scherzo of this sonata — and fondly remembered as a piano teacher by her most famous mentee, Stravinsky.

PROGRAMME

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Variations on 'Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen' from Mozart's The Magic Flute in E♭ major WoO 46

Leokadiya Aleksandrovna Kashperova (1872–1940)

Cello Sonata in E minor Op. 1 No. 2

1. Allegro Appassionato
2. Andante
3. Scherzo
4. Allegro Maestoso

Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov (1865–1936)

Chant du Ménestrel Op. 71

PERFORMERS

Cello and Piano Duo 'PiaCello' share a deep musical connection and have established themselves as a respected duet. Their performances are filled with impeccable technique, expressive interpretations, and seamless communication on stage. As solo performers, they have delighted audiences around the world with their dynamic and emotive performances, breathing new life into classical music repertoire as well as exploring exciting contemporary works.

Cellist Maria Zachariadou, Principal No. 2 of the BBC Philharmonic, was born in Stockholm of Greek parents. After completing her Konzertexamen in 2009 with Johannes Goritzki in Düsseldorf, she joined the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. During her time in Düsseldorf, her piano trio Melange won various prizes and performed extensively in Germany and France. Maria is the founder of the acclaimed Philharmonia Chamber Players, a successful venture in London's musical scene that takes place at the Royal Festival Hall. With a great passion for chamber music, Maria has also toured Japan twice with her baroque group La Sfera Musicale to critical acclaim and released the CD Baroque Dialogues on Waon Records. Locally, Maria regularly performs recitals up and down the country with PiaCello Duo, formed in 2022 with pianist Ugnius Pauliukonis. Over the years, Masterclasses have included those with Ralph Kirschbaum, Frans Helmersson, David Geringas and Truls Mørk, and she has performed at such festivals as the Paxos Music Festival in Greece, Mendelssohn on Mull in Scotland, and the Holland Music Sessions. She also obtained a Winter residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada and a semester at the University of Bloomington in the U.S. Maria has taught at the Royal College of Music in London as Assistant Professor in Melissa Phelp's class. Maria plays a Frank Ravatin cello kindly loaned to her by the Jaernaker Foundation in Sweden.

Pianist Ugnius Pauliukonis is an acclaimed musician and award-winning pianist, teacher and performance art curator showcasing diverse musical talents across various genres. As a classical pianist, he has engaged audiences as a soloist, collaborating with prestigious orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, and Kaunas State Symphony Orchestra. His memorable piano recitals have graced renowned venues like the Bridgewater Hall, Wigmore Hall in London, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic.

Alongside his established performing career, Ugnius is a devoted music educator. Through his teaching at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen, he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring pianists, fostering their growth and success. Many of his students have achieved remarkable accomplishments, garnering prizes in national and international piano competitions and festivals.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Ugnius embraces the digital realm as a passionate YouTuber. Through his channel, he delves into key aspects of piano playing, offering insightful discussions and sharing a diverse range of performance techniques and all things related to music and piano performance.

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