Wednesday 22 May: Concert Programme - London Symphony ...

Denis
Matsuev
Anne-Sophie
Mutter
Nikolaj
Znaider
feel privileged that I can call maestro
I Gergiev my friend and that I can
communicate with this genius not only on
stage but in personal life. Every interaction
with him is a real masterclass.
We started playing together quite recently –
the first time we performed together was
only six years ago. But I can’t help the feeling
that we’ve known each other all my life.
He possesses an incredible amount of unique,
fascinating qualities that are too many to list.
He is a genius musician, brilliant manager,
unselfish, honest and open man who always
keeps his promises and takes responsibility
for what he does. In his profession (in music)
his distinguishing features are: a hurricane of
emotions, deep understanding of every piece,
fantastic interpretations, absolute universality,
unreal efficiency and his inimitable conducting
manner. All of this makes him so strong and
special. We should be proud to have him as
our contemporary.
He looks after the young generation of
Russian musicians, worries about our
Homeland and educates people through
his festivals, such as the Stars of the White
Nights and Moscow Easter Festival, which
have become as significant as many other
important festivals.
All around the world maestro Gergiev
personifies Russian culture. Russia is
fortunate to have him.
Denis Matsuev
Valery: An appreciation!
Dear Maestro!
You have an impressively large repertoire
which can partially be ascribed to the speed
with which you study.
Very often I feel that if someone were to walk
past you slowly, score in hand, you would
become familiar with it in record time.
Our concerts together were always
extremely intense and full of challenges.
I particularly remember the excitement of
your accompaniment of Sofia Gubaidulina’s
In tempus praesens with your wonderful LSO.
There are very few living musicians who
have left such a mark on their culture in their
homeland. You are surely a national treasure
right next to the Hermitage – although this is
only your Happy 60th Birthday.
There is no need to wish you more success
or other enconiums as the only thing you
might wish for is a little more sleep and fewer
phone calls.
Happy birthday and loads of love and health.
Anne-Sophie Mutter
Dear Valery, Maestro …’Boss’!
Your tireless energy never ceases to amaze
me … in fact, it is quite astonishing to think
that you are only 60.
In my family, on any birthday, we say ‘till 120!’.
So congratulations, you have now made
it halfway.
My sincere admiration for all that you have
achieved and continue to achieve in music,
as well as my gratitude for all that you
have meant to me throughout the years,
is boundless.
Let me join the innumerable voices in wishing
you good health, peace and joy.
I salute you!
24 Birthday Messages