presented by the European Foundation for Support of Culture 

MISCHA MAISKY Cello
SERGEY SMBATYAN Conductor 

Alex Vella Gregory Riħ
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Nocturne for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 19
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Excerpts from Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a 

Mischa Maisky is considered to be one of the most important cellists of our time. Playing on an instrument by famous Venetian luthier Domenico Montagna, he has shown his dedication to the works of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, on several occasions. The Variations on a Rococo Theme show influences by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart whom Tchaikovsky deeply admired. The Nocturne for cello and orchestra is a beautiful example of Tchaikovsky’s melodious invention.  

Sergey Smbatyan, a renowned expert in the Russian repertoire, sets up a dialogue between these works, the sumptuous harmonies, endless melodic lines and magnificent colours of Tchikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite and Rih by the young Maltese composer Alex Vella Gregory.