First time: The Five roles of Mikhail Pletnev at InClassica 2025

Mikhail Pletnev is one of the most charismatic musicians of our time, a figure who has rightfully earned legendary status in the world of music. Pletnev began his musical journey at a young age, studying at the Moscow Conservatory under celebrated mentors such as Yakov Flier and Lev Vlassenko. His extraordinary talent was evident early on, and by 1978, when he won the prestigious Tchaikovsky International Competition at just 21, he was already seen as a unique artist with an extraordinary musical vision.

As a pianist, Pletnev is renowned for his distinct interpretations, especially of Russian composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev, though his repertoire spans from Bach to contemporary works. Critics praise him for his depth, as he explores pieces with improvisational freedom, delving into their emotional essence and infusing them with fresh intensity. His technical brilliance, although striking, is secondary to his capacity for nuanced interpretations, bringing forth a vivid palette of colors and textures in the piano's soundscape. 

I believe that many who have had the privilege of hearing Pletnev live would agree with my impression: under his touch, even the most familiar works resonate with an authenticity and spontaneity, as though he were composing them in real-time. He cited figures like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff as examples, pointing out that this duality was common until specialization took hold in both music and science.

As a conductor, Pletnev has carved an equally remarkable path. In 1990, he founded the Russian National Orchestra (RNO), the first independent orchestra in post-Soviet Russia—a bold move driven by his vision to create an artistically autonomous institution. This choice reflects his belief that "freedom is the core of all true art." Under his leadership, the RNO rose to international acclaim, recognized for its rich sound and dynamic interpretations. Much like the piano, the orchestra has become his instrument, enabling him to realize his musical visions on a grand scale. 

In the realm of 21st-century music, Mikhail Pletnev is a rare and invaluable presence, and the chance to experience his diverse talents in one setting is equally unique. Such an opportunity awaits at the InClassica International Music Festival in Dubai organized by SAMIT Event Group in the spring of 2025. Across four concerts, Pletnev will take on five distinct roles. On April 9, he will perform as a soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrea Battistoni. Then, on April 12, he will conduct the Franz Schubert Philharmonia; he will offer a solo recital on April 19, followed by a chamber music performance on April 21 with the young violin sensation Daniel Lozakovich.

Moreover, each concert will feature compositions by Maestro Pletnev himself. On April 12, the audience will hear 14 Mémoires Musicales, a piece for orchestra inspired by Pletnev's own life memories, from his childhood through his youth, conveyed through a simple, universally understood musical language. Simplicity, melody, and the conveyance of powerful emotions are Pletnev's priorities as a conductor, pianist, and composer alike. This approach also explains why he has collaborated on a series of compositions by Alexey Shor, adding his own artistic imprint and joining as co-author—a rare instance of such partnership.

Shor is an exceptionally talented composer who has forged his path outside the traditional academic route.  And precisely because of that, he’s free; he doesn’t feel compelled to prove himself through 

dissonance or computer-generated formulas; he’s unafraid of melody and writes music as he feels it,” says Pletnev of Shor, whose work is at the heart of the entire InClassica 2025 festival. "For his part, Shor has cooperated with  Pletnev to enhance and enrich some of his compositions, creating a notable dual signature,Shor/Pletnev. One of these works is the Suite for Piano and Orchestra

No. 2 “From My Bookshelf”, which Pletnev will perform as soloist on April 9, portraying renowned literary characters through music."The same co-authorship marks Piano Sonata by Alexey Shor/Mikhail Pletnev, included in his April 19 recital program alongside works by Bach, Schumann, and Grieg, and a Violin Sonata that he will perform with Lozakovich. 

Pletnev has rarely engaged in chamber music. He has also been highly selective when choosing chamber music partners, citing only Gidon Kremer in past collaborations. So how did the young Lozakovich earn the privilege to perform and even record alongside Pletnev? “He’s not only a brilliant violinist,” Pletnev says, “but also a kind, soulful young man who has something rare today. I can’t perform with someone who doesn’t appeal to me as a person. Human friendship and connection are prerequisites for playing together.” 

Lozakovich lives just half an hour away from Pletnev’s home in the Swiss town of Morges, on Lake Geneva, where Stravinsky once lived. They often meet for dinner and a game of chess, another shared passion, besides music. 

Maestro Pletnev’s own diverse musical roles are not a particularly engaging topic of conversation for him; he much prefers discussing his boat on Lake Geneva and how to keep it clean from birds. He brings humor to musical subjects, reading me Ivan Krylov’s fable, The Quartet, in which a monkey, donkey, goat, and bear try to form a string quartet and ask a nightingale how to sit to make music, to which the bird replies, "No matter how you sit, you'll never be musicians." Pletnev laments not having had more time for composing, yet he jokes, "I’m already an old man who, fortunately, can still play. When I can’t play, I’ll conduct. And when I can’t conduct, then I’ll compose.” 

It’s common knowledge that Mikhail Pletnev was born in the northern Russian port of Arkhangelsk in 1957, to musician parents who taught at the local conservatory. Yet, as I learned from him directly, his parents not only worked there, but they also lived on campus, so he was practically born and raised in the corridors and classrooms of the conservatory. In light of this biographical detail, it’s clear why Pletnev hesitates to rank his artistic roles, simply saying: “It’s all the same—it’s all music.” He was born and grew up in an environment where music was not merely a profession but a way of life. Or, in a single word, destiny.

Authenticity, exploration, freedom, human connection, and friendship—all these essential qualities in Mikhail Pletnev’s life and mastery converge into one: music. For a four-part encounter with such a personality and such music, Dubai is truly worth the trip.

Tickets

Legendary Piano Genius: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=a7dda410-b028-ef11-840a-002248cbd9cc

A Tale of Two Stars: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=6f30507d-6f37-ef11-a316-0022480dc04a

Solo Brilliance: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=2286834d-3f2e-ef11-840a-0022480dc04a

Grand Finale: https://www.dubaiopera.com/en-US/product-details?ID=02f4c877-402e-ef11-840a-0022480dc04a

Written by Branimir Pofuk.