SERGEY LEVITIN violin
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Wednesday 11 March 2026Doors: 6.30pm
Concert: 7.30pm Duration: 120 min (including interval) Tickets: £28, £25 Early bird (before 5 February), £15 Concession (limited availability) |
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Step into the warm atmosphere of the 1901 Arts Club as our Salon Evenings with Chamber Principals of London continue with the second instalment of this season’s trilogy, The Art of Two. This programme celebrates the rich and often unexpected world of the violin–viola duo, bringing together music shaped by friendship, folklore, virtuosity, and theatrical flair—revealing just how much colour these two voices can create, with insights and reflections shared along the way.
From the classical poise of Haydn, Pleyel, and Mozart to the vibrant palettes of Khandoshkin and Villa-Lobos, the evening moves through a spectrum of styles and stories. Rolla’s Rossini-inspired sparkle and Forberg’s operatic fantasy add a flourish of drama, rounding off a journey alive with character and contrast. Join us for an evening full of colour, curiosity, and musical storytelling—where two instruments open a world of possibilities. |
ProgrammeJ. Haydn
Duo for violin and viola No.1 in F major, Hob VI:1 I. Pleyel Duetto No.2 for violin and viola in B flat major B.530 W. A. Mozart Duo violin and viola K.423 in G major ~ interval ~ I. Khandoshkin Variations for violin and viola on a Russian folk tune ‘Ah, on a Bridge’ H. Villa-Lobos Duo for violin and viola A. Rolla Duetto for violin and viola “Thema Rossini” in B flat major F. Forberg Phantasy for violin and viola on Verdi Il Trovatore Op.13 |
Chamber Principals of LondonChamber Principals of London brings together leading principals from London’s foremost orchestras and professors from top conservatoires in a dynamic ensemble renowned for artistry and versatility. Praised for their debut at the Teatro Verdi di Salerno, they perform across classical and contemporary repertoire in formations of every size.
For this second Salon Evening, founder and Concertmaster of the Royal Opera House Sergey Levitin, a prizewinner at the Lipizer and Paganini International Violin Competitions, joins Rachel Roberts, Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and one of Europe’s most distinguished violists. Together they bring a wealth of international experience, with appearances at major venues and festivals including the Vienna Musikverein, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Salzburg Festival, and Schubertiade, as well as collaborations with leading artists such as Christian Tetzlaff, Isabelle Faust, Sir Antonio Pappano, and Maxim Vengerov. Their recordings span labels including Chandos, Alpha, BIS, Hyperion, Decca, and Dutton Epoch, reflecting a shared commitment to chamber music that is both expressive and deeply communicicative. |
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Sergey Levitin
Internationally acclaimed violinist and founder of Chamber Principals of London, Sergey Levitin is Concertmaster of the Royal Ballet and Opera and a prizewinner at the Lipizer and Paganini International Violin Competitions. Appointed Concertmaster of the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra at just 23, he toured extensively under Valery Gergiev, appearing at major festivals including the Edinburgh Festival and White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg. He has since performed as soloist and guest leader with many of the world’s top orchestras, recorded for labels including Philips, Decca, and Dutton Epoch, and collaborated with artists such as Sir Antonio Pappano, Maxim Vengerov, and Alison Balsom. His chamber music collaborations span a wide range of repertoire and partners, reflecting a lifelong dedication to music-making that is both virtuosic and deeply communicative. He also serves as artistic advisor to Les Homards Indociles, a French chamber music initiative and festival.
Rachel Roberts
Widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading violists, Rachel Roberts performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. She has appeared as soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Kammerphilharmonie Graubünden, and Manchester Camerata, collaborating with conductors such as Christoph von Dohnányi, András Schiff, and Richard Hickox. Her recent recording of Edward Gregson’s Viola Concerto – Three Goddesses with the BBC Philharmonic follows a career that includes performances at major venues such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Vienna Musikverein, Wigmore Hall, and major festivals across Europe. A frequent guest with ensembles including the Nash Ensemble, Wigmore Soloists, and the Tetzlaff Quartet, she has recorded for Chandos, Alpha, Hyperion, BIS, and CAvi-music, earning multiple Diapason d’Or awards. Rachel is Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, acclaimed for playing that unites technical mastery with luminous warmth and expressive insight. She is also Founder and Artistic Director of Pitchstone Music and is committed to providing musical experiences for all.
