Rachmaninoff for two pianos - a magnificent musical evening at the St Sava Centre

On 23 December 2023, in the packed Great Hall of the St Sava Centre in Niš, an exceptional concert entitled “Rachmaninoff for Two Pianos” was held, featuring the distinguished pianists Aleksandar Sinčuk and Vladimir Milošević. This extraordinary musical evening, dedicated to one of the greatest composers of the Russian and world musical heritage, offered the audience in Niš a unique encounter with the riches of Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff's piano music.

With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Niš, the concert was organised by the Niš Church Choral Society “Branko” and the Cathedral administration, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia and with the support of the Serbian Pianists' Association. With this event the St Sava Centre once again confirmed its important role in the musical and cultural life of Niš, bringing together many lovers of classical music.

The concert was of special significance as it marked 150 years since the birth and 80 years since the death of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), one of the greatest pianists and composers of the 20th century. His music, recognisable by its lavish melodies, powerful emotional contrasts and exceptional pianistic demands, holds a special place in the history of music. It was precisely the works for two pianos, with their rich sonority and complex interweaving of parts, that allowed the audience to experience the full grandeur and expressive power of his musical language.

The programme included three significant works from Rachmaninoff's output - the Fantasy (Tableaux) for two pianos, Op. 5, Suite No. 2 for two pianos, Op. 17, and the Symphonic Dances, Op. 45, in the version for two pianos. This repertoire presented different periods of the composer's work, from his early Romantic poetics to the mature, dramatic and expressively complex musical language of his last great works.

The artistic partnership of the two pianists brought a special dynamic to the performance. Aleksandar Sinčuk, a pianist of Russian origin and professor at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, received his musical education at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. In the course of his international career he has performed on numerous concert stages and at festivals throughout Europe and the world. His partner at the piano, Vladimir Milošević, a distinguished Serbian pianist and teacher born in Leskovac, has built a notable concert career, performing in renowned halls such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Salle Cortot in Paris and Steinway Hall in London.

A special dimension was given to this concert by the fact that two top-class C. Bechstein concert grand pianos sounded simultaneously at the St Sava Centre. For the occasion, an additional concert instrument was brought from Belgrade to make it possible to perform the demanding Rachmaninoff programme. The rich sound of the two large concert grands, combined with the acoustics of the St Sava Centre, allowed the richness of the musical texture, the strong dynamic contrasts and the subtle melodic lines to come fully to life.

The audience had the opportunity to experience one of the most demanding forms of chamber music-making, in which two soloists unite in a single musical expression. The precision, mutual understanding and artistic dedication of Sinčuk and Milošević ensured that Rachmaninoff's works were presented in all their sonic splendour. The full hall of the St Sava Centre confirmed the great interest of the Niš audience in such musical events and in performances by artists of international standing.

This musical event also had a valuable educational dimension. The very next day, 24 December 2023, Aleksandar Sinčuk and Vladimir Milošević gave a masterclass for pupils of the Music School in Niš and students of the Faculty of Arts in Niš. This meeting gave young pianists a precious opportunity to learn directly from distinguished concert artists, exchange experiences and deepen their knowledge of piano technique and musical interpretation. In this way, the visit of the two artists went beyond a concert performance, leaving a significant mark on the musical education of young generations. By organising such encounters, the Niš Church Choral Society “Branko” confirmed its commitment not only to presenting top-class musical art but also to supporting the development of future musicians.

For the Niš Church Choral Society “Branko”, organising this concert was another significant step in expanding its cultural and artistic activity. Drawing on a tradition of more than a century, the Society, besides its fundamental mission of preserving sacred and choral music, strives to make the St Sava Centre a meeting place for distinguished Serbian and international musicians. Visits by artists of this calibre are a precious contribution to the development of concert life in Niš and to bringing top-class classical music closer to a wider audience.

Patrons and friends of the arts made a significant contribution to the concert. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the Serbian Pianists' Association and the friends of the concert, the companies FLUO ELEKTRO and MASTER SECURITY from Niš, whose support made it possible to organise this exceptional musical event.

The concert “Rachmaninoff for Two Pianos” and the masterclass that followed will be remembered as a precious musical and educational event, bringing together the great work of the Russian composer, the artistic excellence of two pianists and a commitment to developing young talent. It was another strong encouragement for the efforts to ensure that the St Sava Centre, alongside the centuries-old spiritual tradition of the Cathedral and the Niš Church Choral Society “Branko”, continues to develop as a recognisable centre of musical art, education and cultural creativity.