Sergei Dogadin and István Várdai Delight Eurasian Stars Audiences with Double Concerto Performance

The Eurasian Stars International Music Festival continued its 2026 edition on Sunday 11th October, presenting another spectacular evening of classical music at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theatre in Tashkent. The concert brought together internationally acclaimed violinist Sergei Dogadin and Hungarian cellist István Várdai, performing alongside the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan under the direction of Venezuelan conductor José Salazar.

Following the festival's successful opening evening, the second concert presented a programme combining the music of Beethoven, contemporary composer Alexey Shor, and Tchaikovsky, offering audiences a wide-ranging exploration of orchestral expression.

The evening opened with Beethoven's celebrated Egmont Overture, before Dogadin and Várdai took to the stage for Alexey Shor's Double Concerto for Violin and Cello. Composed in three movements, the work provides an extensive musical dialogue between the two soloists, alternating between passages of considerable technical brilliance and moments of lyrical intimacy.

Reflecting on the composition, Dogadin revealed that he had previously discussed the idea of such a concerto with the composer himself. "In our previous conversations, Mr. Shor and I discussed the idea of writing such a work and the importance of expanding the repertoire for this rather uncommon combination of solo instruments", he explained. "The result is a truly ambitious and impressive composition, presenting both considerable technical challenges and a wealth of musical ideas."

Following the interval, the orchestra returned to the spotlight for Tchaikovsky's monumental Symphony No. 5 in E minor, one of the composer's most celebrated symphonic achievements. With its recurring musical motifs, sweeping melodies, and dramatic contrasts, the work brought an evening of outstanding orchestral music to a fitting conclusion.

Commenting on the concert, Artistic Director Alibek Kabdurakhmanov praised the international collaboration at the heart of the performance. "One of the most rewarding aspects of Eurasian Stars is seeing exceptional musicians come together to create something truly special. Sergei and István are both wonderful artists, and it was a pleasure to welcome them to Tashkent for a performance that brought such technical mastery and expressive depth to the stage. Alongside Maestro Salazar and our National Symphony Orchestra, they gave us another fantastic evening of music."

Dogadin was equally enthusiastic about his return to Uzbekistan, paying tribute to the festival and its audiences. "I am absolutely delighted to be back in Uzbekistan after six years and to be part of such a wonderful festival. Eurasian Stars brings together outstanding international musicians and creates a very special atmosphere of artistic exchange and collaboration!"

The concert marked the second of nine performances taking place during the eighth edition of Eurasian Stars, which continues until 19th October with further appearances by some of the world's most distinguished classical musicians.