Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy Bach and Shostakovich

On two pianos they present a special programme in which the music of Shostakovich and Bach enter into a dialogue with each other.

They explore the tensions Shostakovich had to live with: between the Soviet Union and the West, between inner expression and political pressure. At the same time, they shed light on his admiration for Bach – a composer whose influence resonates subtly but penetratingly in Shostakovich's work.

Kolesnikov and Tsoy bring these worlds together by juxtaposing the compositions of both masters, interweaving them and interpreting them from their own perspectives. The result is a layered and personal musical journey full of contrasts, affinities and unexpected connections.

Pavel Kolesnikov

Russian-British pianist Pavel Kolesnikov is known for his poetic playing, original programs and surprising interpretations. Since his breakthrough at the Honens International Piano Competition, he has performed worldwide, from Wigmore Hall to Carnegie Hall. Kolesnikov regularly collaborates with choreographers, visual artists and musicians such as Samson Tsoy. He is artist-in-residence at Wigmore Hall and other venues, and is known for his free, associative approach to the classical repertoire.

Samson Tsoy

Tsoy is a Kazakh-British pianist with a strikingly original artistic signature. His playing is praised for its depth, imagination and refinement. He has played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, at Wigmore Hall and at international festivals. Together with Pavel Kolesnikov he forms an acclaimed duo, which can also be heard in interdisciplinary projects. Tsoy is a co-founder of the Ragged Music Festival and will release his first solo album on Linn Records in 2025.