Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy

Pavel Kolesnikov and his longtime duo partner Samson Tsoy engage in a musical dialogue — not only with each other, but also with two towering composers and their worlds. Performing on two pianos, they present a remarkable program in which the music of Shostakovich and Bach enters into conversation.

They explore the tensions that shaped Shostakovich’s life and work: the pull between the Soviet Union and the West, between personal expression and political constraint. At the same time, they highlight his deep admiration for Bach — a composer whose influence resonates throughout Shostakovich’s music in subtle but powerful ways. 

Kolesnikov and Tsoy bring these worlds together by placing the composers’ works side by side, intertwining them, and offering their own thoughtful interpretations. The result is a layered and personal musical journey filled with contrasts, kinship, and unexpected connections. 

Pavel Kolesikov 
Russian-British pianist Pavel Kolesnikov is praised for his poetic touch, original programming, and imaginative interpretations. Since winning the Honens International Piano Competition, he has performed globally—from Wigmore Hall to Carnegie Hall. Kolesnikov frequently collaborates with choreographers, visual artists, and musicians like Samson Tsoy. Known for his associative and open-minded approach, he has held residencies at leading venues such as Wigmore Hall. 

Samson Tsoy 
Kazakh-British pianist Samson Tsoy is acclaimed for his deep musical insight, imagination, and refined artistry. He has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, at Wigmore Hall, and across major international festivals. A frequent duo partner of Pavel Kolesnikov, Tsoy also engages in interdisciplinary collaborations. He co-founded the Ragged Music Festival and will release his debut solo album with Linn Records in 2025. 

In this recital the preludes and fugues of two great composers will be played with two pianos, sometimes individually, sometimes passed between two pianists, and sometimes shared. There is even a moment when a prelude of one composer is matched with a fugue by the other. While some may find this gesture unnecessary and even eccentric, we think of it as a beautiful and meaningful symbol of a dialogue transcending time.

This project was (partly) made possible with financial support from Fonds 21.