A truly grand event for New Zealand’s music lovers – world-renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov graced Auckland with a single, unforgettable concert. Such opportunities are rare, and only a fortunate few managed to secure tickets. Many hoped to attend, but sadly, it wasn’t to be for everyone. We are delighted to share the impressions of one of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Maxim Vengerov’s violin live.
A master of his craft! Maxim Vengerov’s technique is unmatched – precise, thoughtful, and deeply emotive. The voice of his violin was astounding, rich and resonant across the entire range, from the lowest notes to the highest. The transitions between registers were breathtakingly smooth, and his use of harmonics (flageolets) was truly masterful.
In the lower register, his violin had a velvety, almost cello-like softness that felt uniquely tender. As I sat mesmerised, I found myself wondering: What makes his playing so captivating? At first, I focused on the details – analysing one element after another – but then I found the answer. The essence of Maxim’s playing lies in the long, subtle thought that ties everything together into a unified whole.
No matter how complex the music, Maxim’s playing never comes across merely as technical mastery. Many musicians approach performance by breaking the music into separate elements – technical passages, legato, double stops, and so on. But this time, in Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, I heard something complete, where all the complexities were part of a seamless and cohesive narrative.
Regrettably, Vengerov played his Stradivarius violin in only one of the four concerto movements, and there was only one encore – a beautiful rendition of Heinrich Wieniawski’s Romance.
Speaking of the Stradivarius violin, before the concert, I read Maxim’s interview with New Zealand media, where he talked about his violin. He said that the instrument is “alive” and needs certain conditions to sound its best. When asked whether Auckland’s high humidity would affect its sound, Maxim explained that the violin would need a few days to adapt.
In the concert hall, I noticed the unusually warm air temperature – something I’ve never experienced at other concerts. It occurred to me that perhaps this warmth was intentional, a condition needed for the violin to “settle in”. Interestingly, by the time the final piece, Sibelius’s Finlandia, was played, the air in the hall had cooled slightly. This violin truly is “alive”!
Although Sibelius isn’t my favourite composer, I was absolutely delighted by the performance. The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Okko Kamu, played brilliantly. The orchestra was in perfect unity under Kamu’s baton! And how could it be otherwise? Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer, was conducted by a fellow Finn. Such a connection between kindred souls was deeply felt and undoubtedly transmitted to the audience.
After the concert, we hurried backstage to express our gratitude and admiration to Maxim. Naturally, there were words of thanks, congratulations, and, of course, a photo to remember the occasion.
Standing beside him was his mother, Larisa Borisovna, who graciously shared memories of Maxim’s early years and his journey to becoming one of the world’s finest violinists.
The concert also reunited many old acquaintances – it truly felt like a special gathering of those fortunate enough to witness the Maestro-Master’s performance. Maxim, we are deeply grateful for the celebration you brought to us!
Olga Tarasenko, Auckland
- Here is a little history from someone who couldn’t attend. Maxim Vengerov studied at the music school of the Novosibirsk Conservatoire under the legendary pedagogue Zakhar Bron. When the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra performed in Akademgorodok, young violinists Maxim Vengerov and Vadim Repin often appeared with them. Each time, the orchestra’s chief conductor, Arnold Katz, would introduce them by saying, “Remember these names – they are future world stars.” When Bron later moved to Germany, he brought his most talented students with him to continue their training. And indeed those stars have risen.
Translated by Lena Naumova
