Sarah Aaronson & Nikolai Ryskov

Date: Sunday, 10th September 2006

Time: 7 for 7:30pm

Venue: New Spiro Ark Centre, 25-26 Enford Street, London W1H 1DW

Price: £10

Sarah Aaronson was an infant prodigy and a virtuoso artiste on piano and organ, as well as accordion in her native South Africa, studying under Hirsch Ichilcheck, (the former Court Musician to the last Czar of Russia), and at Witwatersrand University. She has performed publicly since the age of nine, winning numerous instrumental competitions. First prizes at the National Eisteddfod followed in successive years and she has appeared at the Cork International Music Festival and in the B’nai Brith Music Festival performance at Canterbury Cathedral, playing music composed by victims of the Terezin concentration camp.

Equipped with a vast repertoire from classical to Rumanian gypsy music, Sarah, for three years running was a guest artiste at the International Music Summer School (Garcia-Biberian), and has appeared as a soloist with many symphony orchestras and conductors. She performed for the Queen Mother at several venues, including St James’ Palace, and for Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at the Whitehall Palace. Other distinguished performances include a Russian evening at the English National Opera for Lord Harewood, at the Guildhall for the Lord Mayor of London, and also at a concert for the Queen of Jordan

Nikolai Ryskov started his education at the age of seven with his father. When ten years old, he continued his studies under Valery Elyseev.

He performed as a soloist and in ensembles at the International Classical Accordion Festivals “Bayan and Bayanisti” in Moscow during 1990-1993 directed by Frederick Lips. Later he took part in concert tours of Switzerland in 1994 in solos and ensemble recitals at festivals and other venues in Bern, Zurich, Lugano, Geneva and other cities.

In 1995 Nikolai moved to England and now lives in London. His performances demonstrate his shining virtuoso playing, and are a feast for all lovers of music.

Listening to Nikolai Ryskov one understands that he presents a brilliant professional talent, showing the highest possible mastery of his instrument. His amazing technique, as well as his unfailing response to the challenges presented by the instrument, leaves the listener convinced that Nikolai Ryskov is an outstanding musician.