The pianist reunites with the National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina under the direction of Jeruham Scharovsky. We spoke with the artist, who shared her impressions about the program and her return to the stage of the Centro Cultural Kirchner, which will be this Friday, March 15th at 8:00 pm.
By Virginia Chacon Dorr
“The melodies of Rachmaninov are of immense beauty, the harmonies, his style of musical phrases… they are unique and incomparable. His music faithfully represents the Russian spirit in drama and depth” expressed the pianist when highlighting some characteristics of the Russian genius’s music. The program to be performed in the National Auditorium will be dedicated to two of his great works: Concerto No. 2, for piano and orchestra, in C minor op. 18 and Symphony No. 1, in D minor.
Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 2
Dichkovskaia emphasized: “Rachmaninov’s second concerto is one of the most beautiful and famous pieces in the piano repertoire. It was very significant for the composer. After a deep depression, this work marked his rebirth, and he dedicated it to his doctor, Nikolai Dahl, who helped him overcome the crisis and believe in himself again.”
Indeed, at the beginning of the score, Rachmaninov dedicates the concerto to Dr. Nicolai Dahl, who, besides being an internist, excelled as a violist and founder of a string quartet. Their relationship began when Rachmaninov sought to improve his health and find inspiration to compose a new piano concerto. Dr. Dahl’s treatment, combining hypnosis and cultured conversations, proved effective. Rachmaninov recovered enough to travel to Crimea and Italy, where he carried the sketches of the developing concerto. The second and third movements were completed that fall and premiered in December, before Rachmaninov added the first movement. Despite doubting his work days before the premiere in November 1901, the resounding success of the performance convinced Rachmaninov of the worth of his creation.
El reencuentro
Regarding her return to the stage and the audience of the Centro Cultural Kirchner, the pianist shared her excitement: “The Centro Cultural Kirchner is a very beautiful place, with wonderful halls, and it is a great honor and pleasure to play here again.”
The performance, which will take place in the National Auditorium of the Centro Cultural Kirchner, will have free admission and will be broadcast live throughout the country through Sonido Cultura, the CCK’s online radio. Tickets can be reserved at www.cck.gob.ar/agenda and picked up on the same day of the event from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at the entrance on Sarmiento Street 151, subject to the capacity of the hall.
A special invitation
About Irina Dichkovskaia
Irina Dichkovskaia is a prominent pianist graduated from the Special Music Lyceum and the State Conservatory of St. Petersburg, where she also completed a postgraduate course. She has been awarded in numerous international piano competitions from a young age. Throughout her career, she has performed solo recitals in various parts of the world, including Germany, Argentina, the United States, England, Italy, France, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. She has performed in prestigious venues such as the Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, the Philharmonic of St. Petersburg, the Conservatory of St. Petersburg, the Moscow Conservatory, and the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, among others.
Dichkovskaia has collaborated with various orchestras and distinguished conductors, including the Orchestra of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, the Academic Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg, and the Cordoba Symphony Orchestra. She also gives masterclasses and has served as a jury member in music competitions, as well as participating in international music festivals.
In the field of chamber music, she has collaborated with prominent artists such as violinist Roberto Sawicki, baritone Anatoly Dichkovsky, and soprano María Belén Rivarola. In 2022, she made her debut at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires in the cycle Grandes Intérpretes alongside the acclaimed French tenor Roberto Alagna.
Dichkovskaia has been awarded in various international piano competitions, including the Rachmaninov International Piano Festival for Young Pianists, the Ettlingen International Piano Competition, the London Piano Competition, the International Piano Competition “Music without Limits,” the International Piano and Fortepiano Competition dedicated to Tchaikovsky, among others.