A huge Congratulations to one of my students - Cleo, for achieving 92% and Distinction in her Grade 5 Music Theory exam !! :) Outstanding !! :)

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I will be taking the Harpsichord part with The Solent Symphony Orchestra

Programme:

This is a repeat of the program performed on Sunday 7th June at the Royal Marines Museum, Southsea - of which a reviewer commented :- "This was a summer concert not to be missed ........"

Handel - Concerto Grosso in Bb for Strings and Oboes

Danzi - Sinfonia Concertante for Flute and Clarinet

(Helen Walton: flute and Robert Blanken: clarinet)

Mozart - Symphony 29

See Solent Symphony Orchesta website for full details and ticket information.

There will be retiring Collection in aid of The Rosemary Foundation :

The Rosemary Foundation is a Charity providing a ‘Hospice at Home’ service in Petersfield and the surrounding towns and villages. It is intended to help patients in the latter stage of life threatening conditions.

I'm pleased to announce that I've agreed to take part in 2 forthcoming performances of the Solent Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday 17th June at the Royal Marines Museum at Southsea; and a repeat of the complete program on Saturday 14th July at St. Peter's, Petersfield.

See my Engagements page for fuller details.

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I am in Warsaw, Poland until the 6th June; in the recording studios of leading Polish Recording Company Acte Préalable.
The project is to record a second full CD of pieces by the rediscovered Polish composer Lubomir Róźycki as a follow up of the previously successful "Lubomir Róźycki - Piano Works 1"

For more information on Lubomir Róźycki - go Wikipedia.

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Very excited to be invited by Petersfield Town Council to perform for the re-opening of the Petersfield Town Visitor Centre tomorrow (23rd June). 
Even better, looking forward to performing on a superb Steinway my Lubomir Róźycki programme (which I'm recording at the beginning June in Recording Studios of the Polish national Radio in Warsaw)!
It has been 70 to almost 100 years since these music pieces were last performed!!
Can't wait !

Evening Recital with Mikhail Lezdkan and friends

MYSTICAL VISIONS

Myself (Piano)

Mikhail Lezdkan ('Cello)

Oliver Nelson (Violin)

Rob Blanken (Clarinet)

Angela Zanders (Piano)

Alexia Mankovskaya (Soprano)

Programme:-

1st half:-
Rachmaninov's 'Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G-minor' (myself on piano; and Violin, and Cello.

Glazunov's 'Chant du Ménestrel, Op.7' (myself on piano; and 'Cello)

From Scriabin's 'Preludes Opus 17' Nos 3 & 6 (myself solo)

The 2nd half will feature Olivier Messiaen's wartime masterpiece: Quartet for the End of Time (1944) - with spoken words by Piers Burton-Page (Retired Radio 3 Presenter)

Admission - Free with a Retiring Collection.

Refreshments available.

For further information and tickets -

contact St. Peter's Church

Although I'm not taking part - I can thoroughly recommend this for next Sunday afternoon, 8th April, in Petersfield.

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Yay - London (Luton) -> Warsaw (Chopin) 1st June and Hotel Metropole ; and return on 6th June : all booked for myself and Mike. 😀
Heading to recording studios of Acte Préalable ; again !!! To record my 12th CD !!

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Yet another student of mine achieves their full ABRSM Diploma !! : (loosing count !!)
But huge congratulations to Alex on achieving this first level of professional qualification ; enables him to legally describe himself in his passport as 'Musician', and have the letters 'Dip.ABRSM' after his name !!

More details to follow.

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Quite a lot of work associated with the Portsmouth Music Festival in accompaniements, and students taking part.

I will also be involved with their Gala Concert at 3:00pm at Park Community School, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 4BU on Sunday 25th March.

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Continuing my rehearsals for 'Róźycki 2' CD !

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For the most part of this Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit, this comingSpring, to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw.

The project is to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki

Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia

This will be my 12th CD !!

But please check back from time to time in case I'm undertaking a short notice event.

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4 new short videos up loaded to YouTube.

From the archives of Bulgarian Cable TV channel - videos of a concert on 29th October 2009 in The Recital Hall of my Academy held as a memorial to my Professor Dr. Lubomir Dinolov for his 75 years.

Each one is a 4 hands transposition of Mozart's works by Prof. Dr. Lubomit Dinolov !

Each features the late Prof. Emilia Mihaylova & myself.

Here they are.

Duettino (Don Giovanni, Zerlina) - from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni"

Aria (Don Ottavio) - from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni' 

Ariette (Cherubino) - from Mozart's opera "Marriage of Figaro"

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For the most part of this Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit, next Spring, to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw.

The project will be to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki

Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia

But please check back from time to time in case I'm undertaking a short notice event.

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'The Guide' magazine of the Portsmouth 'News' has announced their 2017 award nominations for a variety of local entertainment categories.
In the 'Best Classical' section I have been nominated (entry no. 9) jointly with Petersfield Orchestra for their last June's 90th Anniversary concert.
I was also involved as pianist for entry no. 3 - the Solent Symphony's 25th Anniversary concert in October.
Entry no 10 is 'Readers Choice' where you can nominate and vote for your own choice. (which you might, or might not, find more appropriate !! :) )
You can vote at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1f51Vm-zcP-AY2j72MBC1zavRRGtULX0zLftvu6TGt5s/edit.
Voting ends December 30th

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For the most part of this Autumn and Winter I'll be keeping my performance diary clear as I use my spare time to prepare for another visit next Spring to the recording studios of Acte Préalable in Warsaw.

The project will be to record a second CD of works by Polish composer Ludomir Róźycki

Click for more information on Ludomir Róźycki courtesy of Wikipedia

But please check back from time to time in case I'm undertaking a short notice event.

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Review of Solent Symphony Orchestra's 25th Anniversary concert -

in the Portsmouth News.

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Announcing my first engagement of the new 2017-2018 Season.

Saturday 21st October - 7:30pm St. Thomas' Anglican Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HH

Solent Symphony Orchestra's 25th Anniversary Concert

25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man 

Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals

Narrated by Dame Patricia Routledge

(aka 'Hyacinth Bucket' of TV fame)

The piece features 2 pianos ; tonight's pianists are

Valentina Seferinova and Peter Rhodes

Vaughan-Williams - Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis

Dvorak - Symphony 8

The concert is also aimed at raising funds for the Aldingbourne Trust, a
Charity based in Sussex which supports people with learning disabilities to reach their potential.

To find out more about The Aldingbourne Trust or donate, log on to their website at www.aldingbournetrust.co.uk

September beckons a return to teaching and a new performance season!
Whilst on hols back in Bulgaria came across this from 1998 in the archives of Bulgarian National Television - myself and the late and greatly missed Prof. Emilia Mihaylova performing pieces of Claude Debussy's 4 hand works "Integrale".

See what you might recognise (apart from a relatively new wedding ring !!!  ).

Unfortunately the Directors instructions seems to be on the sound track too at times - but I hope you enjoy.

Claude Debussy - 4 Hands

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With my performance last night, 1st July, of Rachmaninov's 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43' with the

Brunel Sinfonia, it brings to a close my performance season of 2016-'17.

Watch this spaqce for new announcements for next season.

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Short Notice Engagement.

Sunday 18th June

Solent Chamber Orchestra

at

Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 9PX

I will be part of the Chamber Orchestra - taking the Harpsichord part in

Bach's 'Concerto in A major for Oboe d'Amore'.

See poster to the right for other items in the programme.

Also in the programme is :-

Jon Yates, who was professor of trumpet at the Royal Marines School of Music, is playing

'The Unanswered Question' by Charles Ives

Apparently Petersfield Orchestra 15th June is 'Sold Out'!

Only chance would be 'Returns' : try telephone 01730 268829.

Alternatively - if you're near Bristol, or have family/friends, or willing to travel see below for 1st July in Clifton, Bristol with the Brunel Sinfonia.

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Tickets now on sale !

Brunel Sinfonia - 1st July 2017

.Programme

Camille Saint-Saëns - Symphony No.3 (Organ)

Claude Debussy - Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Sergei Rachmaninov - Rhapsody On A Theme by Paganini Op. 43 (Soloist : Valentina Seferinova)

Contact

Opus13.co.uk

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Petersfield Orchestra - 15th June

Ticket prices announced:

3 rows at the front on the flat - £16.

Raked seating - £18

Under 18s - £1

Reservations/Sales Peterfield Tourist Information Office Tel. 01730 268829

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Friday 5th May

Afternoon : 1-2-1 rehearsal with conductor Nick Bromilow of Rach's Rhapsody/Paganini Variations

followed in the evening by first rehearsal with full orchestra.

Spontaneous applause from all involved at the break and at the end of the session !

Bodes well !

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Short Notice Announcement !

Interesting Concert : Sunday 23rd April - St. Mary's Church, Buriton, Nr Petersfield

Part 1 Romantiscism - Schumann Fantasy Pieces & Songs

Part 2 Impressionism - Debussy and Shoshtakovitch

Part 3 Modern - Messiaen - Quartet for the End of Time

Fee Entrance : Retiring Collection

See my 'Engagements' page.

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" ...It was 20 years ago today ... "

- well not quite Sgt. Pepper !!!

- but Hall Number 9 of NDK National Palace of Culture, Sofia

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First meeting yesterday afternoon (31st March) with conductor Nicholas Bromilow to discuss all 24 variations in Rachmaninov's 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini'.
And - "Yes" - Number 18 was discussed !!
https://youtu.be/UkW1HChPIJs

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Attended a photo shoot a few days ago -

for promo of my next public engagement in May with Peter Rhodes :

got the 'proofs' back :

have chosen this one.

1st March 1810 :

The great Polish composer Frédéric Chopin was born this day -

here is one of his most famous pieces - Fantaisie in F minor Op. 49

I hope you enjoy.

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Just received a short notice contract to be Accompanist for

Holybourne Singers for their Saturday evening 18th March event

in Alton.

Get in touch at :-

enquiries1@holybournesingers.org

See my 'Engagements' page

Some few years ago one of my senior students gave me an original chalk drawing/sketch of a copy of a widely known picture of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957).

At last I've got around to having it mounted and framed : here it is in my Music Room at home.

6th Febuary :-

Just received this email from a Dr. Professor of Music at Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA concerning an earlier 2011 CD of mine : I quote :-
"Dear Ms. Seferinova,
Your Rozycki CD is absolutely superb!
You are a wonderfully gifted pianist.
Thank you!
best wishes,
(name left blank here to protect his privacy)"

Ignore the financial aspects - it's unsolicited comments like this that make it all worthwhile !

http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/ap0263.html

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All but finalised our 2 piano programme (one more Vladigeuroff piece to be agreed) with colleague Peter Rhodes for Saturday 27th May performance.
It will include Pesen (Song/Chant) (from 'Bulgarian Suite') Opus 21 No. 2 for 2 pianos by Bulgarian Composer - Pantcho Vladigueroff -

see for an earlier performance of this piece - https://youtu.be/M-yoKHir3hw

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WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING !
As routine begins to return to normal in this New Year I’ve already begun to work up Sergei Rachmaninov’s “ Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” : Opus 43 to be precise; there’s to be 3 performances of this most famous of pieces later on in Spring and early Summer.
It consists of 24 variations played consecutively as a piano concerto; with full orchestra.
From the immediately recognisable iconic opening bars of variation number one, others, too, are familiar to many without even realising where the music comes from.
The most famous of all is variation number 18 – widely regarded as one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.  It was also used in the 1980 film “Somewhere in Time” (with Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour).
WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING !
try this - let it (variation 18) develop (with glass of wine in hand !) - if this doesn't touch you then you're not likely to be breathing !- https://youtu.be/h4N1mxN5JbU - in this clip it segues into a John Barry guitar based theme. You might say a variation on a variation !!
Tip : Listen/Focus on the music; the video is of secondary importance.
But – WARNING ! WARNING ! WARNING ! – tickets will only be sold to those who can handle this level of emotional intensity !
Girls – drag your fella along ; Fellas treat your lady to a romantic Night Out with a difference.
Also to those who thought, or continue to think the ‘Romantic Era’ began with Adam & the Ants and Boy George – think again : It actually and officially covers the period from the mid-1850s until the present day !! - Rachmaninov himself was born 1873 and died 1942. His Rhapsody dates from as late as 1934.

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Just received information on this Polish Newspaper/Journal 'Nasz Dziennik' review of my latest CD. (see October 2016 below)

See translation on the right.

Another (English language) review is available at :

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/

2016/Dec/Pachulski_piano_v2_AP0361.htm

Translation :-

"Epic Pachulski"

"Henry Pachulski is another eminent Polish composer and pianist rescued from oblivion. He was in his time an accomplished musician, mixing amongst the greatest creators and artists.

He was born in 1859 in Lazach, Siedlec.As a teenager, he began studying at the Warsaw Institute of Music, where his piano teacher was Rudolph Strobl, and the secrets of harmony and counterpoint were studied with Stanislas Moniuszko and Wladystawa Żeleński. After graduating from the Institute in 1876 he started his concert and teaching career. In 1880, he entered the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied with the excellent pianist, and founder of the university - Nicholas Rubinstein. After the death of his teacher Pachulski had a year of year of interrupted studies, but in 1881 continued them with Paul Pabst.

Pachulski's music is characterised by epic style and lyricism, melodiousness, verses, slush, rarely - drama, as well as the returning elements of dance and specific playfulness. On the disc are four hands Suite Op. 13, Meditation Op. 25, the development of the String Quartet op.11 Arensky; Fantasy for Two Pianos Op. 17 and Polonaise Op.5.

Valentina Seferinova and Venera Bojkova are from Bulgaria and finished at the Music Academy in Sofia. They both live seperately in the UK, playing solo and performing duets. They play, record, and promote Polish music. The name 'Va i Ve' comes from the first syllables of their names. Their performances combine class and precision of great artistes.

Their record is a masterly realisation. The combination of excellence and quality, which can reach the most prominent artists. The duo are perfectly timed and in understand each other perfectly. Their distinct sound is both expressive and clear, filled with energy. They are no strangers to lyrical and melodious phrases.

The record is perfect for a long winter evening.

I recommend. Enjoy!"

See Page 22 of the .pdf below

Nasz Dziennik

Thanking everybody for their support, and .....

I look forward to seeing you all again in 2017 !

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I'm pleased to announce, that in addition to performing Rachmaninov's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini"

(which includes, by common agreement, one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written) -

firstly with a two piano version with my colleague Peter Rhodes in May at the historic Winchester College Music Department Concert Hall,

and then as Guest Soloist with The Petersfield Orchestra for their 90th Anniversary Concert on 15th June 2017,

I've now also been invited to play the same as Guest Soloist with the Brunel Sinfonia, Bristol at Clifton Cathedral on 1st July 2017.

Am I looking forward to these events ?? Well, to give a clue :-

my Thesis for my Master's Degree is/was entitled ‘Nature of intonation and texture of the piano works of S V  Rachmaninov’ !!!

Enough said ?

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Just come across an on-line review of my recent Bristol Music Club appearance !

Not sure whether I can add to, or comment on, it !

Click here - Ian Digby

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Yay ! My latest CD is now available world wide !

 
Recorded earlier this year in Warsaw.

http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/new_ap0361.html

My fourth one for this company !

And 11th overall !

Rehearsing and looking forward to two November performances of Dubussy, and Satie in Bristol and Portsmouth !

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Well done to ALL South Downs College music students in their AS & A Level results this year!
In AS Level performance we've got 8 A, 1 B & 2 C
In A Level performance module - 7 A (with 2 top marks!) & 6 B.
So proud of everyone!
Congratulations to everyone.
Good luck for the future to all 2nd year students & please keep in touch

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Tchaikovsky at home

St Mary’s Church, Buriton. Sunday, 25th September, 2016, from 3pm.

Admission free.

A programme of words and smallerscale musical pieces by the great Russian composer including solo piano works and songs, duos and trios, interspersed with extracts from letters, newspapers and diaries

Alex Poulton - Baritone

Sara Deborah Struntz - Violin

Mikhail Lezdkan - Cello

Valentina Seferinova - Piano

with

Piers Burton-Page - Reader

See 'Engagements' Page.

You may remember the viral Ice Bucket Challenge of a couple of years ago in aid of ALS/Motor Neurone Disease research.
It seems all the money raised by it has led to a breakthrough.
It has been discovered that its the NEK1 gene, which contributes to the kind of MND which is passed on in families.
Just for fun - and my embarrassment, here is the video of my original Ice Bucket Challenge - no thanks to my husband for reminding everybody of it !!

Valentina's Ice Bucket Challenge

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I feel honoured and privileged to be invited back again as Guest Soloist for Petersfield Orchestra's significant 90^th Birthday Concert next June.

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Congratulations to Bradley Betteridge.

Achieving his Grade 3 ABRSM as his first Grade exam !

Well done Bradley.

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For some years I've had the privilege of being a Steinway & Sons™ (based in New York) listed Music & Piano Teacher; Steinway have also provided performance sponsorship.for me here in the UK in the past.
They have recently undertaken quite an overhaul of their Teacher Directory for those lucky enough to be included.
Here's how my entry now looks ! I'm impressed. 

Click : - http://www3.steinway.com/teachers/directory/valya

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Coming Soon !

The recording I did in Warsaw with my piano duet partner Venera Bojkova, as the Piano Duo 'Va i Ve', back in April, is coming out soon!
Just received the first set of edits together with the link to the listing of the CD on the record label's website. 
So excited!
It's my 4th CD with and for 'Acte Prealable' - and my 10th overall.

http://www.acteprealable.com/albums/soon_ap0361.html

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That Rhapsody is feeling closer to happening !!

Can you guess ? Here's a clue !

https://youtu.be/jFONLUJIj0c

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Breaking News :-
Although some 14 months away I feel a Rhapsody coming on ...... ???

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All done! :) Today saw us finish the 4 hand pieces.
So a total of 80 minutes of music recorded in about 9 hours of studio time! This is unusually quick.
Jan, the Acte Préalable recording company boss, impressed (and pleased !); but greatly helped today by a knowledgeable recording engineer - so a bottle of wine from us to him for his efforts.
So a high speed TGV train to historic Krakow tomorrow for a few days.

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Have flown out to Warsaw; will spend 2 or 3 days there - mostly in a recording studio with my 'Va i Ve' piano duet partner Venera Bojkova.
Then will take a train to Krakow and stay for a few days before returning to Warsaw and a flight return to UK.
Should be great fun !

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Well, it's the final 2 days of rehearsals before traveling again to Warsaw to record in the Studios of the Polish National Radio an all 2 pianos/4 hands CD of Henry Pachulski' works, with best friend (and of course 'Va i Ve' piano duet partner) Venera Bojkova.

Can't wait!

The resultant CD will be issued on the Acte Préalable label.

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Monday 21st March :
Another big event done last night - the Gala of Portsmouth Music Festival at the Kings Theatre.
It was wonderful to be involved, to be part of the community, helping the youngsters finding their path in the art of performing on the big stage.
Tomorrow - 12 A2 recitals, followed by another 8 AS recitals at South Downs College on Wednesday.
Looking forward to Thursday when I can immerse in my final preparation for the recordings in Warsaw next month.

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I will be accompanying singers Caroline and Felicity; violinist Jia,

and also Sophie on woodwind - all winners of their respective categories of the Portsmouth Music Festival

at the Portsmouth Music Festival Gala Concert

from 7:00pm on Sunday 20th March at The Kings Theatre Southsea.

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February 2016

Well done Fliss ; Congratulations on taking 2 of the 3 Cups on offer today "

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Friday 19th

Just noticed from this year's The Portsmouth Music Festival programme and website, that for the second year running my name has been included as one of the 'approved accompanists' for all participants ! My first one is this afternoon and evening.

Best of luck Fliss.
http://www.portsmouthmusicfestival.co.uk/accompanists.asp

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Spending the third week of February rehearsing with my 'Va i Ve' duet partner Venera Bojkova,

in preparation for our studio recording session for Acte Prealable in Warsaw in early April. 

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Extract from an email comment (in Russian, and signature removed to protect privacy)) forwarded to me this evening concerning last Saturday night's concert :-

"Дорогие мои русские друзья!
Боже мой! Какой прекрасный вечер! Те артисты были просто чудными. Как я любил, как они играли. Я был в восторге. И вечеринка потом - просто рай на земле. .............."

A 'Google Translate' translation follows :-

"My dear Russian friends!
Oh my God! What a wonderful evening! Those artists were simply marvelous. How I loved the way they played. I was delighted. And then the party - a paradise on earth. ................"

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For those attending my concert with 'Cellist Mikhail Lezdkan on Saturday 6th February at Winchester College Music School;

please note that the Music School is in a different location to the College itself.

See Google Maps

Although there is a free car park (entance around the corner in Romans' Road) I believe there is ample on-road parking near by.

The organisers have also asked me to point out that the event starts at the earlier time of 7:00pm.; and that early arrival is needed because any one arriving late will not get in through the secure door - as evrybody will be in the auditorium !

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January 2016

Just completed a joint engagement with 'Cellist Mikhail Lezdkan in Chichester Cathedral.

Stewards report "500+ audience" in the Cathedral.

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Out to dinner last night with hubby; this guy comes over and says "Hi. I've downloaded 1 of your CDs from ITunes ".
Then shows me all of the tracks from my Raff CD downloaded on to his 'phone.
It's an amazingly small world !

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Mikhail Lezdkan

More information about Mikhail at http://concertsociety.com/lezdkan/

And follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mikhaillezdkan

at Chichester Cathedral at 1:10pm on Tuesday 26th January is:-

Programme

Johannes Brahms - Sonata for Piano and Cello F major, opus 99:
1. Allegro vivace. 2. Adagio affettuoso 3. Allegro passionato 4. Allegro molto

Dmitri Shostakovich - Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, opus 40:
1. Allegro non troppo. 2. Allegro.

Admission is Free, with a retiring collection.

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