The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Valentin Uryupin, will be joining forces with violinist Robert Lakatos for an awe-inspiring performance on Friday, December 20 (Kolarac Hall, 8 PM). The program features works by James MacMillan, Henryk Wieniawski, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The concert opens with a lyrical piece Larghetto by contemporary Scottish composer James MacMillan, setting a refined and festive tone for the evening. The grand finale, Tchaikovsky’s Suite No. 3, a lavishing masterpiece written for a virtuoso orchestra, will be conducted by Maestro Valentin Uryupin, whose interpretation has been praised by critics, noting that Tchaikovsky has never sounded more modern.

The featured soloist for the evening is the acclaimed Novi Sad-born violinist Robert Lakatos, performing Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 1. This rarely performed yet technically highly demanding composition is one of the most challenging pieces in the violin repertoire. A former winner of the prestigious Pablo de Sarasate competition, Lakatos has gained an international recognition and earned acclaim as an ideal soloist with a sumptuous, confident tone who never fails to captivate audiences with his virtuosity at every moment.

Lakatos will perform on a 1709 Antonio Stradivari violin, offering a truly exceptional artistry to the Belgrade Philharmonic audience.

This December 20 concert was originally set to be conducted by Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz, who is unfortunately unable to participate due to health reasons. Hence, the program has been adapted so as to reflect his artistic vision with Valentin Uryupin stepping in to lead the orchestra. The audiences of the Belgrade Philharmonic are already familiar with Uryupin’s expertise following his two successful performances with the orchestra during the 2023/24 season.