Ilya Kondratiev & Mengyang Pan – with joyous music making ‘notre amitié est invariable’
A complete concert together for two remarkable musicians who up until today had only played in various festive occasions but never had a chance to play an entire recital together. The delicacy and sensitivity of Mengyang were complimented by the musicianship and showmanship of Ilya. Both had completed their training in the class of Vanessa Latarche at the Royal College so their musical pedigree was assured. Both have now been elevated to professorships at the Royal College. Two virtuosi who have mastered much of the solo piano repertoire but have the humility and responsibility of helping young musicians. Encouraging them to put aside their newly acquired skills and to focus on listening to themselves and translating the composers wishes into sounds. A concert of duet ‘lollipops’ in the sense that they presented a programme of well known duets by great composers. It was just this that showed off their remarkable pedigree as they presented these works with a freshness and intelligent musicianship that made one realise what gems they can be in the right hands.
