Sergej with Konstantin Shamray

A program of French music, played by violinist  Sergej Krylov and pianist Konstantin Shamray at Ukaria Cultural Centre was a glorious finale to the Adelaide Festival.

The afternoon contained the essential elements for a successful program.  Maurice Ravel, to Camille Saint-Saëns and finally César Franck represent some of a most enjoyable period of French music. Played by two musicians who can rightly claim to be called ‘virtuoso’,  in a setting where the back drop is a garden fronting rising hills, lit by sunshine and revealing an occasional flock of birds, it can be said that the gods smiled.

Ravel’s Violin Sonata no 2 was followed by his Tzigane. In the sonata the musicians revelled in the changing rhythms and dynamics of the first movement, and in the playful second movement  (Blues moderato) with the intensity increasing in the last movement. The Tzigane which followed maintained the energy with a touch of gypsy.

The second half brought more joy with a Rondo Capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saëns and the demanding Violin Sonata in A by César Franck. One of the key elements that made this recital so memorable was the careful balance between both piano and violin.  Another was the ease and authority in which they both played demanding music.

There were two encores, to the delight of the audience, which had clapped and cheered with tremendous enthusiasm. 

There is no doubt that the atmosphere, the service to music which Ukaria exhibits and the concert hall’s setting among nature made this concert special, but full credit must be given to two wonderful musicians, playing music which both delighted and challenged, and the order in which it was presented. 

Ukaria Cultural Centre

March 14 and 15.