Shrewsbury Orchestral Society
The Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra Spring concert will feature soloist Nikita Lukinov playing Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto on Weds, April 2nd in the Alington Hall
Scotland-based pianist Nikita Lukinov was cited as a 2023 BBC Music Magazine 'Rising Star' and performs in major venues, across the globe, including Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow. He's also been featured on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 3 and Scala Radio.
This Spring (Wednesday, April 2nd), he will play Beethoven's 4th Piano Concert, accompanied by Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Moore in the Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School.
The concert also includes Weber's famous overture 'Der Freischütz' and Brahms' brooding and intense 4th symphony which represents 'some of the darkest and deepest (music) in the 19th century', according to Guardian critic Tom Service.
Nikita said: "I’m honoured to perform Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto with the Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra and for such a vibrant community! Moreover, John Moore's commitment to musical excellence creates an inspiring atmosphere for both musicians and listeners.
"This concerto holds a special place in music history: it was the first where the piano enters before the orchestra, an innovation that broke new ground in 1808 and set a new trajectory for romantic concerti. My interpretation will highlight this context, including my own cadenza, which will feature elements of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony."
Shrewsbury audiences may recognise Nikita from recent solo recitals in 2021, 2022 Alington Hall Shrewsbury School and in the 2024 Shrewsbury Music Festival.
"I’m thrilled to return and share this musical journey with such an enthusiastic and welcoming audience," he adds.
In October 2022, Nikita became the youngest senior staff member at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (and the youngest across all UK conservatoires!). Gramophone magazine has praised his 'extraordinary breadth and freedom of imagination'. He is a dedicated member of the Live Music Now Scotland scheme and is passionately committed to providing live music of an international standard to socially disadvantaged people. In the current season, Nikita is touring Scotland with 35 recitals and outreach events planned.
A disciple of the Russian Piano School, Nikita Lukinov started his musical education at the age of six in Voronezh, Russia. At the age of 10, he gave his debut performance as a soloist with a symphonic orchestra and at 14, he won a full scholarship to study at the Purcell School in London. Nikita was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in 2017, a Master’s Degree in 2021, and an Artist Diploma Degree in 2023 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) at the class of Prof. Petras Geniušas. Nikita finished his Artist Diploma degree in Summer 2024.
Tickets £16.50 adults, or £2 children, available from ticketsource or on the door.
Shrewsbury Orchestral Society was founded in 1888, making it one of the oldest amateur orchestras in the country. The Society operates as a registered charity with the purpose of "educating the public in the art and science of music". A Committee of volunteers organises a minimum of three concerts each year of orchestral works usually including a symphony or other substantive work.
Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra is supported by our Music Director, John Moore and Orchestra Leader, Alex Postlethwaite. Concerts are held in various locations in or around Shrewsbury; further details are elsewhere on this website.
Zoë Beyers is the leader of the BBC Philharmonic and has established a reputation as one of the finest and most versatile violinists in the UK - she played Sibelius' violin concerto with the SSO in March 2018 and says of the experience:
"Shrewsbury is very fortunate to have such a vibrant, committed orchestra, taken from the community and playing for the community. John Moore and his musicians are a delight to work with - I have very fond memories of our performance of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. I have enormous respect for SSO’s dedication and passion for making music!"
Ben Goldscheider was nominated by the Barbican as an ECHO Rising Star and during the 2021/22 season Ben gives recitals at major concert halls including the Concertgebouw, Musikverein, Elbphilharmonie and Köln Philharmonie.
"It was a great pleasure to play the Strauss with Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra. Such a supportive atmosphere and a joy to share the stage with. Thanks and hopefully see you again!" [Photo: Frank Jerke]
Jennifer Pike – renowned for her “dazzling interpretative flair and exemplary technique” (Classic FM), violinist Jennifer Pike has taken the musical world by storm with her unique artistry and compelling insight into music from the Baroque to the present day:
"Loved playing the Elgar Concerto with you in the stunning Shrewsbury Abbey, thank you!" [Photo: Tom Barnes]