Additional Information
On May 29, violist Elvira Mishbakova and pianist Meagan Milatz will perform an Ad Lucem concert at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Saint-Lambert. A project about hope in these difficult times, and about music as a vector of healing in this chaotic world.
Russian-born Elvira Misbakhova, currently principal violist with the Orchestre Métropolitain, talks to PAN M 360’s Judith Hamel about the concert, her musical choices and the bond between her and her stage partner.
PAN M 360: In this concert, you’ll be playing a duo with pianist Meagan Milatz, with whom you’ve often shared the stage. What unites you musically? What makes this collaboration special for you?
Elvira Mishbakova: The joy we share when we play together is immense! I think that if the musicians don’t talk much during their rehearsals, that’s fine, because everything happens through musical conversation, looking at each other and listening to each other. We understand each other instantly, and our reflexes, reactions and comments are always in tune! When work is based on trust, open-mindedness and musical flexibility, everything goes well.
PAN M 360: In your program notes, you describe this concert as a reflection on hope in difficult times. Can you tell us more about this idea?
Elvira Mishbakova: I chose the repertoire that resonates a lot with hope and enlightenment. When people come to concerts, I think they want to leave with different impressions, emotions, appreciation, maybe even with some learning, but also they come to events, to concerts to relax, to detach themselves from their reality, to dive into a moment of reflection, maybe find peace, and calm… or simply they are guided by their curiosity and admiration for classical music and this magnificent Classica Festival! Our idea for this concert is to share these moments of reflection, the moments of peace and calm, the moments of hope, because music has that rare power! It heals us, it unites us, it consoles us and it lifts us into the future, even in difficult times.
PAN M 360: The program for this concert spans several centuries and very different styles, from the Russian Romanticism of Glinka to the contemporary music of Kelly-Marie Murphy. What links all these works together?
Elvira Mishbakova: Light in its various states. I tried to find the reflection of light in each work. Sometimes the light is pure, as in Pigovat’s Magnificat, sometimes it’s inward and dark, as in Britten’s Elegy for solo viola, or it’s a beacon in the darkness, as in Arvo’s Part Fratres, or simply, it’s a hope for forgiveness in Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei. The light is different, but it’s always there for us! If the audience could imagine that, or search with us for their vision of light in each piece, it would make us very happy.
PAN M 360: Kelly-Marie Murphy’s Ad Lucem will receive its world premiere. How did this work come to you?
Elvira Mishbakova: In fact, it’s a Quebec first! When I had the idea of this Ad lucem project (with the recording of an album), I immediately thought of commissioning a work from a Canadian composer, and as I admire Kelly-Marie Murphy’s music enormously, I suggested that she write a piece for viola and piano to be called Ad lucem, and she accepted with great enthusiasm! Meagan and I can’t wait to present it at our concert at the Festival Classica.
PAN M 360: Can you tell us a little more about Ad Lucem? What will the audience be able to hear and feel?
Elvira Mishbakova: The repertoire is very varied, with pieces from the classical, romantic, post-romantic, modern and contemporary eras, so there’s something for everyone! The audience will hear the original works written for viola and piano, as well as arrangements made by other violists to broaden our repertoire. It has to be said that the viola, as a solo instrument, is increasingly taking center stage! I’m very happy to play this instrument, which is the closest to the human voice. Meagan and I are really looking forward to this concert. I hope people will enjoy this choice of repertoire, which is filled with strong, deep emotions.
Photo Credit : Sasha Onyschenko
