Andrey Pisarev, director of Moscow Conservatory's piano department, instructs a student in exercises. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai is set to become a hub of musical excellence as it prepares to welcome two esteemed music delegations, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, in June and August, respectively.

Founded in 1882, the Berlin Philharmonic is one the most popular, acclaimed and well-respected orchestras in the world. As a special project of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, the German orchestra, under the baton of Kirill Petrenko, its chief conductor, will start a 10-day tour of Shanghai commencing on June 24. This visit marks the orchestra's exclusive stop in China. They will present four symphonies, several chamber music performances, and a range of artistic education activities.

Following the Berlin Philharmonic, the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, a prestigious musical educational institution based in Moscow, Russia, will collaborate with the Shanghai Oriental Art Center (SHOAC) in August to host a five-week series of activities, called "Moscow Conservatory at the SHOAC", which is set to become an annual tradition.

The history of cooperation between the Russian institution and SHOAC traces back to 2020, when they signed their first strategic cooperation framework agreement. In 2023, a new five-year agreement was reached by both sides to further promote music exchanges in multiple aspects.

This year's lineup includes a piano sonata marathon, a summer piano program, educational lectures, a historical picture exhibition, and the SHOAC Citizen's Concert.

The piano sonata marathon will take place on Aug 18 at the SHOAC concert hall. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

On Aug 18, Andrey Pisarev, the director of Moscow Conservatory's piano department, and Pavel Nersessian, a piano professor at the Moscow Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Boston University, will jointly perform at the piano sonata marathon at the SHOAC concert hall.

Additionally, from Aug 19 to 22, the summer piano program will feature two renowned pianists dissecting classical piano works and delving into Russian and European music traditions and cultures.

Source: Shanghai Observer