Kavakos VIRTUOSO

Leonidas Kavakos, one of the world’s finest violinists, showcases virtuoso works for the violin: included on this album are some of the most exciting and challenging violin works ever written, alongside beautiful, lyrical encores.

Displaying a formidable technique to stunning effect, Leonidas Kavakos is heard here at his very best; his unique style stealing the show in a dazzling, wide-ranging progamme.

Features the devilish and highly demanding violin writing of Italian Paganini alongside the Spanish influences of De Falla and Tarrega, the Czech allure of Dvorak, the elegance of Britten and Elgar, and the Russian spirit of Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky

All the works expertly recorded here are associated with great players of the past – touring virtuosi travelling across Europe, looking to impress. On our European journey we hear flashy showpieces, tender romantic pieces, and everything in-between.

Leonidas Kavakos plays the Abergavenny Stradivarius of 1724 – a violin which itself will almost certainly have known legendary performances of these incredible works, and which sings here as if Kavakos was born to play them on this instrument

Known at the highest level for his virtuosity and superb musicianship, multiple award-winning Leonidas Kavakos has an enviable touring schedule playing with the world’s greatest orchestras and most outstanding chamber music partners; and an exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics. (Presto Classical)

Julia Fischer / Milana Chernyavska SARASATE

These dazzling works . . . make great showstoppers and encores, but what's surprising is how satisfying they turn out to be in their own right. Beginning with a couple of Spanish dances, it's apparent from the get-go how effortlessly the 30-year-old masters the technical challenges of works designed to leave jaws on floor. She sounds like she's having fun, and why wouldn't she, especially in "Zigeunerweisen", whose czárdás rhythm allows Fischer and accompanist Milana Chernyavska to demonstrate how convincingly a German and a Ukrainian can perform Spanish music inspired by Hungarian gypsies . . . What a terrific, entertaining disc.

Record Review / Martin Buzacott, Limelight Magazine (Australia) / 19. February 2013

The dazzling showpieces of violin legend Pablo Sarasate meet their match in Julia Fischer, one of the most sought-after musicians of her generation, delivering virtuoso pyrotechnics in a stunning recital disc.
The key track is Sarasate’s most celebrated composition: Zigeunerweisen (‘Gypsy Airs’). With its heady czardas rhythms and folk flavour, it is best known as a showpiece for violin and orchestra, but Fischer and her long-standing accompanist Milana Chernyavska present it here as it was originally written, for violin and piano.
Fischer’s programme also includes the popular Danzas espanolas. Designed to show off technique, these captivating pieces soon became a top choice for violin encores.
Fischer’s recording will help shine a new light on Sarasate’s music, which she wants to restore to the concert platform. She feels that each of the pieces is a little gem with a mood and story all its own, and says that she wants to communicate the joy and enthusiasm of pieces that make people want to dance or sing.
Sarasate’s contemporaries held him in extremely high regard, with Camille Saint-Saens, Max Bruch and Edouard Lalo all dedicating works to him. He was one of the first violinists to leave acoustic recordings in the pioneering years of the 20th century, recording his Zigeunerweisen in 1904, and his extraordinary writing remains a supreme challenge to violinists over a century after his death in 1908.

Similia FANTASIA For Flute and Guitar

Named “world’s best flute and guitar duo” by Classical Guitar Magazine UK, Similia has recorded 4 CDs under the Analekta label (Cantabile, Nota del Sol, Fantasia, Dolce Vita). Winners of the coveted Félix Award for Best Instrumental Album of the Year awarded by ADISQ (Quebec Recording Industry Association) in 2004 for Nota del Sol, Similia was also nominated in 2006 ADISQ’s Félix Award for Best Classical Recording for their Fantasia CD. For 15 years, Similia has gained international recognition by providing nearly 500 concerts in 13 different countries including Japan, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Mexico, Guatemala, United States and Canada.

 They recently sold out the Palais Montcalm at their world premiere of the Concerto tradicionuevo by Patrick Roux under the direction of Yoav Talmi and accompanied by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. Annie also interpreted the Concerto de Aranjuez (Adagio) by Joaquin Rodrigo and Nadia the orchestral version of the Brilliant Fantasy on Carmen by François Borne. Similia also payed with the Kamloops Symphony under the direction of Bruce Dunn.

Celebrated for their elegant and refined music-making, Similia has received many prizes and accolades.

With their alluring interpretations, the duo explores the flute and guitar repertoire with passion and impeccable musical flair, sometimes adding new and dazzling dimensions to standards with their own arrangements. And while they perform the classical repertoire with brio, the pair enjoys discovering new musical horizons. Whether playing Latin American music or works by contemporary composers, Similia thrives to charm music lovers with melodious musical selections and genuine passion.

Their artistic vision and mission is to give life to the evocative voice of the flute and guitar ensemble and to expand its musical repertoire. 

Leticia Moreno / Ana-María Vera SPANISH LANDSCAPES

Leticia Muñoz Moreno is a Spanish violinist. She started her music education at the early age of 3 in both violin and piano with the Suzuki Method offering her first recitals when she was just 5. In 1996 She studied six years with Zakhar Bron at the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía and in Germany at Köln Musikhochschule. Later on she followed the advice of Maxim Vengerov in Saarbrücken and David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she received the highest degree ever in the history of the school for her final recital. Her last teacher was Rostropovich since 2003. By now (2005) Leticia Moreno plays on a Pietro Guarneri (1679) property of the Stradivari Society of Chicago and has programmed concerts all around the world: Austria, England, St Petersburg, Moscow with Spivakov, Italy, Poland, South America, Mexico and Spain conducting Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Vienna Symphony Orchestra to cite some examples. The Spanish Composer Francisco Lara has dedicated one composition to her: Capriccio for Leticia (2005).