Renowned People’s Artist of Russia and celebrated pianist Denis Matsuev is set to headline a gala titled “Old New Year with Denis Matsuev” on January 14 at the Crocus Town Hall, a night announced by the event’s press team. The concert promises to be a festive blend of celebration, music, and storytelling, inviting listeners to start the year with a rich sonic journey.
What makes Matsuev’s performances stand out is a rare blend of boundless energy, exceptional talent, magnetic charisma, and a warm, almost familial sense of humor. He brings more than technical mastery to the stage; he seeks to share the beauty and depth of classical music with every audience member. This approach turns a recital into an intimate encounter between artist and listener, where the music’s history feels alive and near at hand. The pianist’s purpose in this gala is clear: to invite the audience to be part of the music, to feel the excitement of discovery, and to leave the concert with a renewed sense of possibility.
On the program, Matsuev will present “From Classics to Jazz,” a thoughtfully curated sequence that traverses centuries of musical language. Audiences will hear works by Handel, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, and Rachmaninov, alongside jazz-inspired pieces by Gershwin and Ellington. The juxtaposition highlights the connections between dominant schoolmasters of European tradition and the improvisational spirit of American jazz, inviting listeners to experience a continuous thread that binds eras and genres alike. The setlist showcases not only the composers’ enduring masterpieces but also the pianist’s own exploratory voice as he threads classical form with improvisational flair.
Beyond the notes, Matsuev intends to verbalize each choice, offering a guided storytelling moment between pieces. The idea is to give audiences a window into the historical context, the emotional landscape, and the technical challenges that define each work. This added narration is designed to enrich the listening experience, transforming a concert into a shared educational and emotional journey where the history of world classical music unfolds in real time around a modern evening of celebration.
Organizers emphasize that the evening will blend exemplary performance with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The aim is to craft a festive mood that resonates with the spirit of the Old New Year, providing positive energy and memorable impressions for attendees as they look toward the year ahead. The concert is positioned not merely as a display of virtuosity but as a celebration of music’s power to unite people, spark joy, and create lasting memories in a comfortable and inviting setting.
In related news from the cultural scene, it has previously been noted that philanthropy can intersect with the arts in meaningful ways, underscoring the broader role of artists in supporting communities. Events like this gala at Crocus Town Hall illustrate how prominent performers can contribute to social and cultural life beyond the concert hall, offering audiences an experience that blends entertainment with a sense of shared purpose.