It’s not often one of the world’s leading Russian string quartets come to little old Richmond.
And it’s even more rare that you’ll be sitting in such proximity to the performers that you’ll be able to hear their heart beating to the rhythm of their classical and finely tuned instruments.
That, however, is exactly the opportunity presenting itself to those who appreciate the fine arts when the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet, from St. Petersburg, rolls into town in a few weeks for a one-night only performance at the World of Music and Arts on London Road, in Steveston.
Considered to be in the top five of their ilk on the planet, the quartet has been described as a “precious heirloom of the Russian music culture” and is made up of Mikhail Bondarev and Ekaterina Belisova (both violin), Alexei Popov (viola) and Anton Andreev (cello).
They will be joined on the night by acclaimed classical pianist Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov, himself a teacher at World of Music and Arts.
Skovorodnikov, originally from St. Petersburg, has known the quartet members for more than 30 years and persuaded them to perform in front of an audience of around 60 people on Oct. 23.
“Being in such close proximity to such great talent, rather than in a concert hall or on television…it gives students a better chance to witness great talent up close,” said Anna Vavilova, a Richmond resident and director/founder of World of Music and Arts, a private music academy.
“The room will be very cosy; they can talk to (the performers) and touch the greatness.”
Richmond doesn’t have classical performers of such calibre as the Russian quartet coming to town every day, said Vavilova.
“But this is truly classic and of such high quality; people are simply not expecting this to be here,” she said.
“It will be such a unique experience, as the venue is only going to hold between 60 and 80 people.”
It’s not the first time the quartet has been in the Lower Mainland, however, having been guests at Skovorodnikov’s house in White Rock, before performing at a local church last year.
This time around, while again being hosted by Skovorodnikov and en route to touring the U.S.’s West Coast — the quartet will be performing, on top of the Richmond date, a mini-series of concerts at Qualicum Beach, Maple Ridge and Denman Island.
The performance in Richmond begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at the academy at 6231 London Rd. Tickets are $30 and $25 (students and seniors).
