Acclaimed by critics for his virtuosity and sheer brilliance Nikolay Madoyan has performed with the world's leading orchestras such as the London Sinfonietta, English Chamber Orchestra, Mariinsky Orchestra, Concertgebouw Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo NHK Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Residentie Orkest The Hague , St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra, Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Tivoli Symphony Orchestra, Danish Radio Orchestra, and has collaborated with prominent conductors including Richard Hickox, Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado, Arnold Katz, Valery Gergiev, Leopold Hager, Martin Andre, Erich Vechter, George A. Albrecht, Janos Furst and Ernesto Colombo among others.
Recent highlights include a variety of recital concerts, Nikolay's tour in Germany alongside conductor Philipp Amelung and NCOA, as well as his tour in Italy with conductor Gianluca Marciano and the Senocrito Festival Orchestra.
Nikolay Madoyan has also embarked on the world tour performing the 24 Caprices by Niccolò Paganini in prestigious venues such as Berliner Philharmonie and Sala Verdi amongst many.
Madoyan recorded albums with Danish record labels Cowbell Music and Kontrapunkt which received critical acclaim in the European press, including The Strad and Gramophone. In 2023, Madoyan made his mark with the debut album Armenian Brilliance released by Naxos Records. The album garnered acclaim from prominent critics, including the BBC, Pizzicato, and American Record Guide.
Madoyan plays a Guarneri violin made in the early 18th century.
About the Programme
In this captivating solo recital, Nikolay Madoyan brings to life a selection of timeless masterpieces. The performance opens with Bach’s iconic Partita No. 2 where the first four movements evoke elegant dance forms culminating by the profound Ciaccona, crafted in the form of variations.
As the recital unfolds, we delve into Ysaÿe’s Sonata No. 2, where Bach is not just the inspiration but the "obsession". The first movement begins with the resonant introduction of Bach's Prelude from the E-major Partita, which Ysaÿe then dismantles, infusing it with echoes of the Dies irae chant found in the traditional Requiem mass.
Next, Khachaturian’s Adagio immerses listeners in solitude and reflective melancholy, probing the fundamental anguish of the human condition. The music powerfully captures intense sorrow, conveyed through its soft dynamics and flowing lines.
The lyrical Uzundara dance by Khachaturian is traditionally performed by women as a part of the wedding rite. The composer skilfully intertwines asymmetric structures and rhythmic nuances typical of Armenian folk music.
The program then transitions to Paganini, whose Variations on "God Save the King" showcase his groundbreaking approach to violin technique. Based on the British national anthem, this work weaves a dazzling tapestry of variations that push the boundaries of violin artistry.
The recital concludes with Caprice Farewell, a lively piece dedicated to composer Eduard Eliason, whom Paganini met in London. This work presents original musical ideas interwoven with complex and contrasting passages.