Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev recital announced for July 17 at Kleinhans Music Hall

Kleinhans Music Hall announced a special summer recital by the Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev at 7 pm. Saturday, July 17. The recital is made possible by the support of Harold J. and Sandra S. Whistler. It will be part of a series of appearances by Malofeev in the U.S. this summer as international touring starts to resume post-pandemic and will include works by Tchaikovsky, Medtner, Rachmainoff and Prokofiev.

Described as “the latest phenomenon of the Russian piano school” (Corriere della Sera), Malofeev came to international prominence when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 2014 at age 13. Reviewing the performance, Amadeus noted, “Contrary to what could be expected of a youngster … he demonstrated not only high technical accuracy but also an incredible maturity. Crystal clear sounds and perfect balance revealed his exceptional ability.”

Since that time, Malofeev has established himself as one of the most prominent pianists of his generation. In addition, he has won numerous awards and prizes at international competitions and festivals, including the Grand Prix of the International Competition for Young Pianists Grand Piano Competition, the Premio Giovane Talento Musicale dell’anno and Best Young Musician of 2017. Also in 2017, Malofeev became the first Young Yamaha Artist. In 2019, he received second prize at the first China International Music Competition.

Recent and upcoming orchestral solos and recitals include appearances with major orchestras and venues around the world. Among them Michael Tilson Thomas and New World Symphony, La Scala Orchestra, Lucerne Festival Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Prague Philharmonia, Russian National Orchestra, Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, the Concertgebouw, Philharmonie de Paris, Mariinsky Theatre, and the Tonhalle in Zurich to name but a few.

Malofeev toured Asia in 2019 with the Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala under Riccardo Chailly. Festival appearances have included the Ravinia Festival, Festival Napa Valley, Aspen Music Festival, La Jolla Music Festival, Lucerne Festival, and Stars of the White Nights Festival in Russia, among many other.

In the spring of 2020, Sony Classical released the Tchaikovsky 2020 box-set celebrating the 180th anniversary of Tchaikovsky with a recording of his First Concerto performed by Malofeev with the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra and Alexander Sladkovsky.

Malofeev was born in Moscow in October 2001 and is a graduate of the Gnessin Moscow Special School of Music. In 2019, he entered the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

Tickets to the recital are $25; students with a current student ID can purchase tickets for $15. All tickets include handling charges and a Kleinhans restoration fee. Tickets are available by calling the Kleinhans Music Hall box office at 716-885-5000, by visiting kleinhansbuffalo.org, or stopping by the Kleinhans box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Kleinhans will follow then-current state and CDC guidelines for entry to the hall.