Shchedrin: Carmen Suite / Concerto for Orchestra

Rodion Konstantinovich Shchedrin, born in 1932 in Moscow, is a renowned composer and pianist whose musical journey began in the heart of a musical family. His father, a composer and music theory teacher, laid the foundation for Shchedrin's deep-rooted passion for music. Shchedrin's early works are noted for their tonal qualities and vivid, almost cinematic, illustrations. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the USSR State Prize in 1972, the Lenin Prize in 1984, and the State Prize of the Russian Federation in 1992. Inspired by the likes of Dmitri Shostakovich, Shchedrin has carved out his own distinctive path, becoming one of the most prominent figures to emerge from the Soviet Union's rich musical landscape. Beyond his compositions, Shchedrin is also celebrated for his virtuoso piano skills, making him a full-blooded musician in every sense. His works, spanning various genres, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.