Roberto Szidon, the Brazilian pianist whom I first heard playing on the most verdant cover ever issued by DG
has died in Germany, aged 69. Obituary here.
I’ve been waiting all year to run that headline.
We’re talking, of course, about
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
and the Natale is not a new girlfriend. It’s his Christmas release, In Festo Trium Regium Muttetum Natale.
Apologies if you thought it might be someone else. Listen up here.
I know, we couldn’t wait. The festive season is not due to start for another day and a half, but we have obtained for you a sample of Evgeny Kissin playing Chopin at the Verbier Festival. It’s not due to be released on medici.tv until the new year, but Slipped Disc has been given an early free pass … so watch … enjoy…. send in your responses…
Further to the reports of embezzlement that have appeared in the last two days, the Foundation has issued the following clarification:
The Valery Gergiev Foundation
December 23, 2011
Moscow, Russia
The Gergiev Foundation, which funds numerous projects throughout Russia including events and performances at the Moscow Easter Festival and the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, has issued the following statement to clarify erroneous media reports concerning the dismissal and investigation of Igor Zotov, former executive director of the Moscow-based Foundation:
Igor Zotov was employed by the Foundation as the executive responsible for administrative and financial operations. He was not an employee of the Mariinsky Theatre and his responsibilities were not associated with either the Mariinsky Theatre or the construction of the new Mariinsky opera house in St. Petersburg.
In the summer of 2011 the Foundation became concerned about Mr. Zotov’s actions, especially handling of investments, and contacted the proper law enforcement authorities who opened an investigation and are now questioning Mr. Zotov. The Legal proceedings are conducted under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Criminal Code. The next meeting of the legal authorities regarding this matter is scheduled for January 16, 2012.
The Foundation is confident that the matter will be resolved expeditiously.