In an evening benefitting the Cedar Foundation of Bulgaria, Ivo Varbanov, Enrico Marconi and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra join forces to tackle two of the Romantic period's greatest works.
Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1, played tonight by Bulgarian pianist Ivo Varbanov, was famously dismissed by Rubinstein as 'bad and vulgar' but has gone on to stand the test of time with its broad opening tune, crashing piano chords and its thrilling finale.
In contrast, Verdi's Requiem offers a stunning finale in epic proportions. Encompassing every extreme of emotion, Verdi's Requiem is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and features Barts Choir, soprano Maria Radoeva, mezzo-soprano Andreana Asenova Nikolova, tenor Michail Nikolaev Mihaylov and bass Ivaylo Dzhurov.
The Cedar Foundation focuses on deinstitutionalization - the process of closing down large institutions for disabled and disadvantaged children and young adults, providing them with family oriented, community-based residential services, so they can be integrated into society and enjoy a better quality of life.