Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle presents ‘Winter Nights’

RCMFS presents pianists Eleonora Karpukhova from Moscow and artistic director, Mercer Island resident Natalya Ageyeva, with cellist Haeyoon Shin in Valentine’s Day-themed program.

By Reporter Staff • February 5, 2016 7:00 am

The Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle (RCMFS) presents pianists Eleonora Karpukhova from Moscow and artistic director, Mercer Island resident Natalya Ageyeva, with cellist Haeyoon Shin in a Valentine’s Day-themed program incorporating romantic Russian music, dance and more for its ninth “Winter Nights” concert at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall in Benaroya Hall at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14.

The concert’s romantic centerpiece is Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 2, Op. 17 for Two Pianos performed by guest pianist Eleonora Karpukhova and RCMFS Artistic Director, Natalya Ageyeva. The duo will also play Rachmaninoff’s beloved Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14. Haeyoon Shin and Ageyeva will collaborate for the exquisitely lush third movement of Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata. Adding spice to the romance of the Russian composers, Shin and Ageyeva will present Oblivion by the master of Argentinian tangos, Astor Piazzola accompanied by local dancers. In addition, Eleonora Karpukhova will play Chopin’s Waltzes in F major, Op. 34, No. 3, in D-flat major Op. 64, No. 1, and A-flat major Op. 34, No. 1, Tchaikovsky’s Impromptu and Meditation Op. 72, and Tchaikovsky/Pletnev “Andante Maestoso” from The Nutcracker.

For nearly a decade, RCMFS has featured musicians of the highest quality in unique collaborations. Some of our past signature concert guests have included Joshua Roman, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Elisa Barston, The Prima Trio, Alexandre Dossin, St. Petersburg String Quartet, Rimsky-Korsakov Quartet, Atrium Quartet, Dmitry Berlinsky, Erin Keefe, Arnaud Sussmann, Amos Yang and more.

Please join early for a special pre-concert recital featuring the winners of December 2015’s Russian Music Festival/Competition. Young artists from across the state will perform solo piano, cello, violin, chamber music, and piano duets at 3 p.m. Entry is included with the purchase of a “Winter Nights” ticket.