"Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust Descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer and—sans End!"
The above is one of my favorite verses from Omar Khayyam contemplating life, and its joys (including wine) coming to its end. Maybe this verse is the inspiration for the Sands of Time? On at the London Coliseum for just one evening, it promises to be quite an experience. We've been told that the event will transform the entire auditorium into a continuously evolving masterpiece by integrating video installations, visuals, music, words, and poetry. It sounds fascinating and we're really looking forward to the whole experience.
Richter is going to perform a range of his own works alongside his ensemble, The Richter Trio (violin Alena Zinovieva, cello Avgust Krepak) as well as the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan (conductor: Alibek Kabdurakhmanov), including highlights from his debut album Chronos, and specially commissioned World Cup and Olympic anthems. The evening will culminate in the London and UK premiere of The Sands of Time, Richter’s epic, mystical and emotive orchestral fantasy.
Who is Kirill Richter? He seems to be somewhat of a polymath. For a long time, he treated music as a hobby while studying quantum physics at National Research Nuclear University, and than also graduating as Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from the University of Hertfordshire in London. However, he ultimately chose a career in music in 2010 and quickly made a name for himself as a rising star.
Kirill is famous for his extensive collection of modern compositions, ranging from chamber music to orchestral anthems, ballet scores, and film soundtracks. Additionally, he is in high demand as a recording artist.
The debut of The Sands of Time occurred on May 1, 2023, at the Berlin Philharmonic in conjunction with the launch of the exhibition Archaeological Treasures of Uzbekistan: From Alexander the Great to the Kushan Empire. This exhibition aimed to showcase different aspects of Uzbekistan’s rich historical and cultural legacy to Europe. Richter’s composition is a grand portrayal influenced by Uzbek traditions, blending the symphonic orchestra and solo piano harmoniously with the verses of Omar Khayyam, Alisher Navoi, Babur, and Mahlarayim Nadira. The Sands of Time will provide the London audience with a fresh insight into Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage, present Kirill Richter’s unique perspective, and emphasize the enduring relevance of a vibrant cultural heritage.
The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation has generously supported this concert.
Where: London Coliseum
Address: St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES
When: Wednesday 11 September at 7.30pm Box Office: Tel: 020 7845 9300 online: https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/kirill-richter-richter-trio-sands-of-time/
Tickets: from £10
