Viva Musica! festival 2024
Maxim Vengerov & Polina Osetinskaya

“When I touch the instrument, everything is present. As if two magnets were connected: music and I.” These are the words of Maxim Vengerov, the world-renowned violin virtuoso. After twenty long years, this “magnetic” bonding of music with an outstanding performer will again appear on the podium in Bratislava, thanks to Viva Musica! festival. Maxim Vengerov, who made his onstage debut at the age of five, is today, after a fascinating artistic career at the peak of his creative powers, an inspiring musician and a legend of his art. Dozens of the highest awards punctuate his life story, with concerts in the world’s most prestigious venues, iconic recordings on major labels, and furthermore his achievements as a conductor and his teaching activities, nurturing young musical talents. For the Viva Musica! festival, Maxim Vengerov and the star pianist Polina Osetinskaya have prepared a concentrated dramaturgy of Beethoven, embodied in Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 5, 8 and 10. While some of these compositions fall into the earlier period of the composer’s work, they already capture his characteristic musical language: his definitive turn from the universality of the musical forms of the past, and his vision of a new original artist composing works for “eternity”. Also innovative is Beethoven’s grasp of the equivalent sound partnership of two instruments. Given the outstanding performing skills of Maxim Vengerov and Polina Osetinskaya, this assuredly gives promise of an inimitable musical experience. “I am thrilled to be performing with Polina at the Viva Musica! festival, presenting a wonderful program consisting of four of Beethoven’s Sonatas. As some of the greatest works in the violin repertoire, Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas hold immense significance for me. They represent a journey of artistic exploration and emotional depth, with each sonata being a profound dialogue between the violin and piano. Performing Beethoven’s music is a continuous discovery for me. I am truly looking forward to returning to Bratislava after such a long time and can’t wait to share this music with the audience in this beautiful city,” said Maxim Vengerov. “Shortly after performing Beethoven and Scriabin with an orchestra in the wonderful city of Bratislava, I am returning to another venue with a new project – presenting Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas with my dear friend, Maxim Vengerov. This will be the first ever played concert of a cycle, and I am truly excited to be there with our listeners,” concludes Polina Osetinskaya.

Program

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D, Op. 12, No.1
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F, Op. 24 (Spring)
* * *
Violin Sonata No. 8 in G, Op. 30, No. 3
Violin Sonata No. 10 in G, Op. 96

Performers

Maxim Vengerov / violin
Polina Osetinskaya / piano

Photo © Davide Cerati

We reserve the right to change the programme and performers.