Virtuoso Violin Classics: Nikolay Madoyan in Cambridge

An exceptional solo recital of virtuoso masterpieces performed by renowned violinist Nikolay Madoyan. Acclaimed by critics for his virtuosity and sheer brilliance Nikolay Madoyan has performed with the world's leading orchestras and toured extensively across the globe.

Madoyan plays a Guarneri violin made in the early 18th century.

We look forward to seeing you for Madoyan's unmissable debut in Cambridge . We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme

1. J.S. Bach

Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004

I. Allemanda

II. Corrente

III. Sarabanda

IV. Giga

V. Ciaccona

Interval

2. E. Ysae

Sonata No. 2 in A minor “Obsession”, Op.27

I. Prelude

II. Malinconia

III. Danse des Ombres - Sarabande

IV. Les furies

3. A. Khachaturian

Adagio from ballet “Gayane”, Act III (arr. A. Yampolsky)

Uzundara from ballet “Gayane”, Act I (arr. M. Fichtenholz)

4. N. Paganini

Variations on “God Save the King”

I. Theme

II. Variation 1

III. Variation 2

IV. Variation 3

V. Variation 4

VI. Variation 5

VII. Finale - Variation 6

Farewell Caprice in E Major, Op. 67

Acclaimed by critics for his virtuosity and sheer brilliance Nikolay Madoyan has performed with the world's leading orchestras such as the London Sinfonietta, English Chamber Orchestra, Mariinsky Orchestra, Concertgebouw Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo NHK Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Residentie Orkest The Hague , St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra, Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Tivoli Symphony Orchestra, Danish Radio Orchestra, and has collaborated with prominent conductors including Richard Hickox, Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado, Arnold Katz, Valery Gergiev, Leopold Hager, Martin Andre, Erich Vechter, George A. Albrecht, Janos Furst and Ernesto Colombo among others.

Recent highlights include a variety of recital concerts, Nikolay's tour in Germany alongside conductor Philipp Amelung and NCOA, as well as his tour in Italy with conductor Gianluca Marciano and the Senocrito Festival Orchestra. Straight after his Cambridge debut, Nikolay will embark on 2025 world tour performing the 24 Caprices by Niccolò Paganini in some of the world's most prestigious venues such as Berliner Philharmonie and Sala Verdi amongst others.

Madoyan has recorded albums with Danish record labels Cowbell Music and Kontrapunkt which received critical acclaim in the European press, including The Strad and Gramophone. In 2023, Madoyan made his mark with the debut album Armenian Brilliance released by Naxos Records. The album garnered acclaim from prominent critics, including the BBC, Pizzicato, and American Record Guide.

Madoyan plays a Guarneri violin made in the early 18th century.

In this captivating solo recital, Nikolay Madoyan brings to life a selection of timeless masterpieces. The performance opens with J.S. Bach’s iconic Partita No. 2 in D minor, where the first movements evoke elegant dance forms, culminating with the profound Ciaccona, crafted in the form of variations.

After the interval, we delve into Eugène Ysaÿe’s Sonata No. 2 in A minor , where Bach is not just the inspiration but the "obsession". The first movement begins with the resonant introduction of Bach's Prelude from the E-major Partita, which Ysaÿe then dismantles, infusing it with echoes of the Dies irae chant found in the traditional Requiem mass.

Next, Aram Khachaturian’s Adagio immerses listeners in solitude and reflective melancholy, probing the fundamental anguish of the human condition. The music powerfully captures intense sorrow, conveyed through its soft dynamics and flowing lines.

The lyrical Uzundara dance is traditionally performed by women as a part of the wedding rite. Khachaturian skilfully intertwines asymmetric structures and rhythmic nuances typical of Armenian folk music.

The program then transitions to Niccolò Paganini, whose Variations on “God Save the King” showcase his groundbreaking approach to violin technique. Based on the British national anthem, this work weaves a dazzling tapestry of variations that push the boundaries of violin artistry.

The recital concludes with Farewell Caprice in E Major, a lively piece dedicated to composer Eduard Eliason, whom Paganini met in London. This work presents original musical ideas interwoven with complex and contrasting passages.

For further details contact the organiser: [email protected]

Host or Publisher British Armenian Society