Russia lends backbone to New Ross Piano Festival

ARTISTIC director of the New Ross Piano Festival, pianist Finghin Collins, has put together a bold Russian-themed programme for the festival’s eighth edition. Having secured President Michael D Higgins as the festival patron, and taking place amid celebrations of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit, it’s an auspicious year for the festival.

As in previous years, the focus is on high quality events rather than quantity, with seven concerts taking place over four days. Something of an international star himself, Collins has a connoisseur’s appreciation of today’s pianists as well as an insider’s access to them. “This year we have a Russian invasion,” Collins jokes. “Russians have always been very dominant on the piano scene. They have a natural technical approach and an amazing work ethic and, of course, Russian composers have left an amazing legacy of music too.

“Russian pianists tend to be very deep, very heartfelt, never soppy or frothy, or sentimental like some might describe the French style. Their playing has backbone, it’s very solid and they are sure of what they want to say. Russians play on the dark side of dark. They might be harsh but they always leave an impression.”