The first act of "The Sands of Time" features the remarkable Richter Trio, consisting of Kirill Richter on piano, Alena Zinovieva on violin, and August Krepak on cello. Their performance is a culmination of their synergy and experience, seamlessly delivering the music without the need for a conductor.

The performance is complemented by beautiful, calming projections, primarily focused on the movement of water, rain, and waves. These visuals are aesthetically pleasing and enhance the experience without overshadowing the contemporary classical music. The compositions themselves are both inspiring and soothing, with certain moments evoking the nostalgic feel of classic cinema scores.

Richter engages with the audience between pieces, providing insight into his creative process. In one instance, he mentioned a piece traditionally performed with a prepared piano, but in this performance, he jokes, he prepared the violin and cello instead. This involved the musicians beating and tapping their instruments in an unconventional yet captivating manner.

After the interval, the Richter Trio is joined by the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, conducted by the esteemed Alibek Kabdurakhmanov. Known as one of Uzbekistan's most authoritative musicians, it was a privilege to witness his work. The orchestra, one of Central Asia's leading symphony ensembles, delivered a performance that clearly demonstrated their exceptional skill and justifies the acclaimed reputation.

"The Sands of Time" is a compelling blend of visual and auditory artistry, with the Richter Trio and the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan offering a performance that is both innovative and deeply moving.

This show was reviewed on the 11th September 2024 at the London Coliseum.  For more details on Kirill Richter visit: Kirill Richter

Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides

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