On Friday night, November 8, at Kolarac Hall, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra presents pianist Alexander Melnikov under the baton of conductor Christian Reif. This remarkable soloist will perform one of the most celebrated piano pieces, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, accompanied by pieces from Lyadov and Prokofiev. 

Titled Enchantment, this concert promises to captivate the Belgrade Philarmonic’s audience. The Enchanted Lake by Anatoly Lyadov opens the evening with the mesmerizing image of starlight glistening on water’s surface, setting the stage for Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody — an electrifying piece that Melnikov will bring to life, showing the magic of Paganini on the piano.

Melnikov’s career as a pianist spans over three decades, featuring collaborations with prestigious orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leipzig’s Gewandhaus Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the London, Munich, and Rotterdam Philharmonics, led by eminent conductors like Teodor Currentzis, Charles Dutoit, Paavo Järvi, and Vladimir Jurowski. In addition to his extensive performance schedule, Melnikov has earned multiple awards for his recordings, including the Gramophone Award, BBC Music Magazine Award, and the Choc de Classica Award.

Talented Christian Reif, a promising young conductor of the new generation, will conclude the evening with Prokofiev’s seventh and final symphony. Recently appointed chief conductor of the Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Reif has become known for his expressive musicality, innovative repertoire, and superb technique. For this Grammy-winning conductor, the upcoming concert marks his debut with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The concert is a completely sold-out event, however, standing-room tickets will be available at the Kolarac box office on Friday from 7 p.m.