A Musical Friendship

​A Concert Evening in the form of a Birthday Party. The composer Maxim Shalygin celebrates his fortieth birthday. He is one of the most distinctive composers in our country. The NRC published a classical top ten of 2024 and selected his opera Amandante as one of the best productions.

Pianist and multiple competition winner Antonii Baryshevskyi will perform a full-evening recital featuring Shalygin's piano works spanning twenty years, including the premiere of the complete cycle Fetus Etudes. As a visitor, you'll step into Shalygin's world at the Paleiskerk. His favourite music plays in the background in the foyer. He displays watercolor paintings and collages that he creates as a visual artist. And since it's a birthday party, he'll serve borscht and snacks. We are all his guests. The concert will also feature the festive presentation of the new double CD featuring his piano works.

Shalygin’s music has been featured prominently at Amsterdam's Muziekgebouw in recent seasons, including during the celebrated Minimal Music Festival. But Shalygin says of his music: "Call me a maximalist instead. I'm always looking for maximum possibilities. I push boundaries and try to transcend them. I challenge gravity and want to lift people up. Yes, make them fly a bit. That's what music can do.” For his solo works, he always looks for a musician with a capital M: "someone who possesses unique technical skills, has a broad emotional palette, works with an unwavering ethos and eagerly embraces challenges.”

He found his ideal pianist in Antonii Baryshevskyi. Their collaboration began at the Kyiv Conservatory fifteen years ago and evolved into a deep friendship. When the war forced Baryshevskyi to leave the Ukraine, Shalygin helped him establish himself in Dutch musical life. During this difficult time, they grew even closer and a new series of piano works was created.

Antonii Baryshevskyi is a passionate advocate of new music. “Every classic was once new music,” says the pianist. “As a performer, I want to bring today's fascinating compositions to life. Concertgoers appreciate adventurous programmes.” A vision that fits perfectly with Classical NOW!’s artistic goals.