Localie

Chopin Mazurkas: The Pavel Kushnir Scholarship Concert

Join us for an evening celebrating the legacy of pianist and author Pavel Kushnir. This special concert will take place at the De Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam. The program features the soulful Mazurkas of Chopin, performed by three outstanding pianists: Maria Nemtsova, Ekaterina Zhemaitis, and Julia Okruashvili. Their performances will be followed by Pavel's interpretations of the mazurkas, created as part of his series Mazurkas on Wednesdays. In his broadcasts, Pavel Kushnir delved deeply into these works, drawing parallels with the music of Kurt Cobain, the writings of Nabokov, and the paintings of Edvard Munch! Dutch actor Joris Smit, a member of Het National Theater in The Hague, will perform Pavel’s texts on the mazurkas. This inaugural concert serves as the launch for the Pavel Kushnir Memorial Scholarship. Established by artists, musicians, and creators, this scholarship aims to support students from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus in pursuing their musical studies at leading institutions worldwide. All proceeds from this concert will contribute to establishing these scholarships, and additional donations are warmly welcomed. Pavel Kushnir was a pianist and author, and the creative force behind the radio series Mazurkas on Wednesdays. Tragically, in July 2024, he passed away in a Russian prison during a hunger strike, after speaking out against Russia's war in Ukraine. His death leaves behind a legacy of courage, artistry, and resolve. This scholarship will carry forward his vision by helping aspiring musicians achieve their dreams. By attending, you are supporting this mission of resilience and dedication to music. Together, let us ensure that young musicians have opportunities to study and practice their music in freedom. Organizers: film director, screenwriter, and producer Roma Liberov; the We Exist Foundation team; pianist Maria Nemtsova; and Localie Netherlands. 🎹 Program of the Evening Mazurkas Op. 6 - No. 1 in F sharp minor - No. 2 in C sharp minor - No. 3 in E major - No. 4 in E flat minor Mazurkas Op. 33 - No. 1 in G sharp minor - No. 4 in B minor 🎹 Performed by: Maria Nemtsova Mazurkas Op. 17 - No. 1 in B flat major - No. 2 in E minor - No. 3 in A flat major - No. 4 in A minor Mazurkas B. 16 - In B major 🎹Performed by: Ekaterina Zhemaitis Mazurkas Op. 59 - No. 1 in A minor - No. 2 in A flat major - No. 3 in F sharp minor Mazurkas Op. 67 - No. 1 in G major - No. 2 in G minor - No. 3 in C major - No. 4 in A minor 🎹 Performed by: Julia Okruashvili 🎼 Artist Biographies Maria Nemtsova An Amsterdam-based concert pianist of Russian-Jewish origin, Maria Nemtsova is a laureate of numerous international competitions, including the Isabelle Bond Showcase (Gold Medal) and Fort Worth Concerto Competition. She has performed at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Concertgebouw, and Wigmore Hall. Founder of “Music for Peace” and Re:FormersFest, Maria brings music to conflict zones, promoting healing and collaboration. A graduate of the Moscow State Conservatory and Royal College of Music in London, her repertoire spans classical and contemporary works, many written for her. Ekaterina Zhemaitis Born in Moscow in 1989, Ekaterina Zhemaitis graduated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and now studies at Folkwang University of the Arts in Germany. A winner of international competitions such as the Grand Prix at the Kabalevsky Music Competition (2017), she has performed both solo and in ensembles with renowned musicians like Liza Ferschtman. Ekaterina is celebrated for her emotional depth and technical mastery. Julia OkruashviliJulia Okruashvili, a Moscow-born pianist, studied at the Moscow Conservatory, Milan’s Verdi Conservatory, and Frankfurt under Lev Natochenny. She has won prestigious competitions, including the Maria Yudina and Maria Canals Competitions. Julia has performed with the Moscow Virtuosi and Vienna Chamber Orchestra and is a regular at festivals like Rheingau and Schleswig Holstein. Her recordings and international performances highlight her artistic versatility. Julia also teaches at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne, Germany. Joris SmitJoris Smit, a celebrated actor and member of Het Nationale Theater since 2013, trained at the Maastricht Theatre Academy. He has performed with Noord Nederlands Toneel and various Dutch theater companies, including in Waiting for Godot, Ondine, and De Revisor. Nominated for multiple awards, including the Louis d’Or and Golden Calf, Joris is renowned for his powerful stage presence and diverse roles in theater and film.

When

23 December 2024
20:15 - 21:30

Where

De Waalse Kerk 📍Amsterdam

Price

€15

73 available of 150

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