Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Op. 48 & Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70 The Russian Virtuosi of Europe & Yuri Zhislin

• 1 I. Pezzo in forma di Sonatina 09:43
• 2 II. Valse 03:40
• 3 III. Elegie 08:59
• 4 IV. Finale 07:53
• 5 I. Allegro con spirito 10:55
• 6 II. Adagio cantabile e con moto 10:22
• 7 III. Allegretto moderato 06:34
• 8 IV. Allegro vivace 07:21
• Total Runtime 01:05:27

Info for Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Op. 48 & Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70

The Russian Virtuosi of Europe are among the most innovative and distinct string ensembles on today's musical scene. This album for Orchid Classics is their debut recording and features two of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved works for strings.

The group has collaborated with artists such as Sergei Nakariakov, the Oistrakh String Quartet and the legendary ‘father’ of Russian rock, Boris Grebenshikov.

„I could not think of a better composer than Tchaikovsky and two of his most beloved works are included in our debut CD. What you hear on this album is the result of a collaboration between great friends united by their love of music making, and two works written with great passion by the composer.” (Yuri Zhislin)

A first class ensemble” (David Mellor, Classic FM, Critic’s Choice)

“A gorgeous string sound” (John Suchet, Classic FM)

“Their richly confident playing is startlingly good: taut, precise and immaculately phrased” (Stephen Pritchard, The Observer)

“This dazzling debut disc matches airy nimbleness with richness of sound.” (BBC Music)

The Russian Virtuosi of Europe
Yuri Zhislin, violin

Recorded at All Saints’ Church, East Finchley, London
Engineered by Philp Siney
Produced by John Fraser

The Russian Virtuosi of Europe
The Russian Virtuosi of Europe brings together wonderful musicians who are passionate about carrying on the great tradition of the famous Russian School with the wonderful Western tradition of chamber music making.

Formed by London based Russian violinist Yuri Zhislin in 2004, the ensemble comprises of musicians who have enviable lists of international awards and prizes in Paganini, Michael Hill, Brahms, Lipitzer, Queen Elisabeth International Violin competitions.

The RVoE artists also enjoy busy and successful careers as concert artists, teachers, chamber musicians, leaders and principals of outstanding chamber and symphony orchestras, such as the London Philharmonic, the Philharmonia and the Russian National Orchestra. The Russian Virtuosi gave their highly successful debut at the Wigmore Hall in June 2004 and have since enjoyed a series of concerts in Europe, several South American and Russian tours. They regularly appear at major venues across Europe, including the Kings Place, St John's Smith Square and Cadogan Hall in London, as well as Salle Gaveau in Paris. Over the years the orchestra collaborated with pianists MeiYi Foo, Ashley Wass and Vestard Shimkus; violinists Natalia Lomeiko, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, Daniel Garlitsky, Eva Bindere and Yuri Zhislin as well as members of the Belcea, New Russian and David Oistrakh String quartets.

The orchestra is committed to collaborating with younger players, which proves to be beneficial for the ensemble and plays an important role in the musical development of the young artists.

The unique combination of the Russian School of instrumental playing and brilliant ensemble skills makes this group one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles on today's musical scene.

The Orchestra’s future plans include performances at the South Bank Centre and Kings Place in London, the Carngie Hall in New York and another South American Tour in 2014/15.

Booklet for Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, Op. 48 & Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70