‘During the Concert, I Experienced a Feeling of Lightness’: Artyom Dervoed Performs at HSE University
On November 15, HSE University's Cultural Centre held a classical guitar concert featuring the world-renowned guitarist Artyom Dervoed. The event was organised by the HSE Centre of Music Projects, with Kristina Agaronyan, the centre's manager and graduate of the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, hosting the evening.
For numerous years, this acclaimed musician has graced the stages of the world's most prestigious venues, such as the Berliner Philharmonie, the Kölner Philharmonie, the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, and the Elbphilharmony in Germany, Carnegie Hall and Jordan Hall in the USA, and Bunka Kaikan in Japan. Artyom Dervoed has been hailed as the 'Paganini of the guitar' by the German magazine Plattlinger Anzeiger and the 'Tsar of the guitar' by the French media.
'It has been quite some time since we last presented a solo classical guitar performance,' notes Kristina Agaronyan, adding that Artyom Dervoed is an exceptional guitarist and the winner of numerous prestigious international competitions. 'He has earned 16 first-place awards, and his other awards are too numerous to list,' explains Agaronyan. 'Artyom is also a pioneer in certain areas, such as being the first Russian classical guitarist endorsed by Yamaha. He is also the first Russian to win two of the most prestigious and long-standing European contests: the Michele Pittaluga Guitar Competition in Italy and Her Royal Highness Princess Cristina Competition in Spain.'
The event programme featured works by Spanish and Italian musicians and composers spanning various eras:
Fernando Sor (1778–1839)
Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840)
Federico Moreno Torroba (1891–1982)
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895–1968)
Joaquin Rodrigo (1901–1999)
This was Artyom Dervoed's second performance at HSE University, the first having taken place a decade ago. 'Honestly, when I stepped onto the stage tonight, I almost had no idea how to play, because it had been a challenging day for me,' the guitarist said. 'I had only slept for five hours the night before and then had a three-hour cello rehearsal in preparation for an upcoming concert. This marks my fourth performance in one week, each distinct from the others, and naturally, it puts a strain on the mind. However, during the concert, I experienced a feeling of lightness.'
According to Dervoed, he always strives to immerse himself in the music during his performances. 'The deeper my immersion in the music, the stronger it impacts the listeners,' he explains.
In the coming weeks, the renowned performer is scheduled to play in Adana, Turkey, and Brussels, Belgium. On December 8, he will perform in Moscow at the Philharmonic 2 Concert Hall.
Svetlana Rastvortseva, Professor at the HSE School of World Economy, frequently attends concerts organised by the HSE Centre of Music Projects. 'We make an effort not to miss any of the events, because the organisers select the performers thoughtfully,' according to Svetlana. 'I have attended concerts at the Cultural Centre numerous times. They provide an opportunity to unwind after a day of work by indulging in music and art. This is an excellent way for the university to care for its staff.'
Pavel Mishustin is a guest at HSE University. 'I was interested in attending today's concert because this venue is unique,' he shared. 'Not only can you hear the guitar, but you can also see its strings.'