Some weeks ago István Várdai made his debut with Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia under Tugan Sokhiev’s baton playing Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.2 which he recorded with BBC Philharmonic and John Storgards earlier in the season.
In his performances on February 27 and 28 and on March 1 at the Sala Santa Cecilia in Rome, the distinguished cellist achieved great success, also reflected by critic Marco Peracchio with the following words:
"The highlight of the evening was Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 126, performed by Hungarian cellist István Várdai, 39. Playing the Stradivarius that once belonged to the legendary Jacqueline du Pré, Várdai gave an intense performance. His execution revealed impeccable technical mastery, with a vibrant and dark sound capable of capturing the most melancholic and intimate nuances of the concerto. Sokhiev knew how to ideally accompany the soloist, with delicate orchestral choices without diluting his personality. The dialogue between soloist and orchestra was characterized by mutual sensitivity, creating moments of palpable musical communication. The encore was impressive: a short Hungarian composition that further clarified Várdai’s technical and emotional prodigy".
Another highlight in his 24/25 season will be a tour of Belgium and Hungary with Royal Liege Philharmonic under Gergely Madaras playing Elgar’s Cello Concerto. István also returns to NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic for a play/direct programme of Mozart, Haydn and conducts Beethoven Symphony No.2.
