Interview with Piano Maestro Mikhail Korzhev

Mikhail Korzhev, Internationally acclaimed Russian Pianist, is coming to NoHo! He will be sparking the stage for The Athena Foundation for the Arts on May 19, 2024. This outstanding pianist has curated a unique program taking you on an exciting musical tour of Austria, Germany and Russia by means of a sparkling Franz Schubert Sonata, mesmerizing Robert Schumann Fantasies and a powerful Toccata, intriguing Ernst Krenek Variations and passionate Sergei Rachmaninoff Songs plus a favorite Piano Sonata. Curated imagery and lighting express Mikhail Korzhev’s unique vision, creating an immersive experience. Goosebumps!

For those who don’t know, Mikhail Korzhev is a solo recitalist, a performer with notable chamber groups including the Lyris Quartet and with members of the Russian National Orchestra, and members of St. Petersburg and Tokyo String Quartets, among others, a soloist with orchestras, and a recording artist.

Korzhev combines his performing and scholarly activities with teaching. He has served on the faculties of the Beverly Hills and Napa Valley music festivals, and he is currently on the faculty of Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music at Chapman University, an adjunct lecturer at USC Thornton School of Music and an accompanist at California State University, Fullerton‘s School of Music.

Before each concert, we like to break the ice and introduce our guest musicians. It’s an honor to present to you piano maestro, Mikhail Korzhev!

LRW: Professor Korzhev, we’re so excited to have you perform in our 2024 Spring concert series. May I ask what was the inspiration behind your curated program? Why these pieces? Why these composers? Why now?

MK: The first half of the program is dedicated to the composers of the grande Austrian/German tradition: Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann and Ernst Krenek. I think that the composers of that tradition developed the musical language that has a truly universal appeal and it resonates well with most diverse audiences.

LRW: Indeed. These are monumental works. What about the second half of the program?

MK: For the second half, I selected the works of Sergei Rachmaninoff whose musical idiom is very different, yet I also have a lot of affinity for his musical style. Besides, two of the composers on the program, Rachmaninoff and Krenek ended up living in Los Angeles, so in a way they might be considered somewhat “local”, and I think my program choice could also be considered my way to be supportive of “local talents” (just kidding 🙂 )

Sergei Rachmaninoff

LRW: Haha! Love that. I am a huge fan of Rachmaninoff, especially his profoundly moving piano solo works. Can’t wait to hear these pieces brought to life with your piano prowess. I knew Rachmaninoff had resided in Los Angeles, but didn’t know Krenek did as well. Proud to consider them as locals! I endorse your supporting “local talents”! Can you hint at the imagery you’ve curated for your pieces and the stories behind them? I believe you’re including some paintings by our mutually favorite painter, Alexey Steele?

MK: For the first half of my program I’ve selected several paintings by the remarkable local artist Alexey Steele. Although these are Californian landscapes, I find their vivid colors and spaciousness to resonate well with the works I am performing.

Alexey Steele

LRW: I’m such a huge fan of Alexey Steele and his gorgeous artwork. To see it projected on the large screen enables us to see his magnificent brush strokes. Super excited to see the imagery paired with your beautiful playing. May I ask, have you recorded any of the pieces you will be performing? If so, where may my readers purchase your albums?

MK: I recorded “George Washington Variations” along with other solo works of Ernst Krenek several years ago for the European label “Capriccio/Phoenix Edition”. They are available on Amazon.com. I’m pleased to provide the links:
Ernst Krenek: Early Piano Works
Ernst Krenek: Piano Sonatas No. 2 & 4, George Washington Variations, Echoes from Austria
Ernst Krenek: Complete Piano Concertos Volume 1
Ernst Krenek: Complete Piano Concertos Volume 2

Here is a video recording of my performance of Krenek’s “George Washington Variations” on YouTube.