‘Genius’ performance at MAAA afternoon concert

The place to be last Saturday afternoon was Ardrishaig Public Hall for the latest Mid Argyll Arts Association (MAAA) concert.

Nikita Lukinov, pictured right, absolutely fulfilled his promotional material as ‘one of the most exciting pianists of a younger generation residing in Scotland’.

The programme opened with an introduction to Beethoven Sonata No.3 op2 where the audience learned that this sonata was dedicated to Haydn, has four movements rather than the usual three and that Beethoven had the idea that it may become a symphony.

Nikita’s performance displayed the piano to its utmost - from the light and gentle pianissimo opening to the dramatic and virtuosic passages of the later movements. An exciting introduction to Nikita.

The programme continued with a Rachmaninov Etude 1 op.39 completed in 1917, the time when the composer had to leave Russia. This is perhaps shown through the unsettled feeling and the challenging nature of the work, something Nikita was more than able to portray.

Tchaikovsky’s Meditation from Op.72 brought the first half to a close with the audience clearly delighted with Nikita’s expressive and thoughtful performance.

Liszt was the composer of choice for the second half. His B minor sonata was completed in 1853 and dedicated to Robert Schumann by which time Liszt had ‘experienced everything’ in life.

It is a standard for concerts by virtuoso pianists, hence the reason Nikita included it in his programme.

Wilde Jagd or Wild Hunt was a final demonstration of exactly why Nikita Lukinov has been described as ‘one of the most exciting pianists of a younger generation residing in Scotland’. The audience was left almost speechless although ‘mind-blowing’, ‘genius’ and ‘terrific’ were just some of the descriptions heard after as the audience slowly left.

MAAA was delighted to be able to provide a concert with a performer of such ability on a Saturday afternoon in Ardrishaig.

The organisation is hoping to have a return visit in 2024-25 season and if anyone missed Nikita on Saturday his debut CD is coming out early 2023.

MAAA’s next concert is on Friday November 25 with The Broen String Ensemble in Lochgilphead Parish Church.