Behzod Abduraimov Solo at Stanislav & Friends 2023 (photo by Kenny Johnson)
Prodigy Daniel Lozakovich and Virtuoso Behzod Abduraimov Unite in Musical Brilliance at Park University’s International Center for Music Concert
On the evening of Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., the 1900 Building in Mission Woods, Kansas, will host a truly extraordinary event — the collaboration of two acclaimed musical talents, pianist Behzod Abduraimov and violinist Daniel Lozakovich, courtesy of Park University’s International Center for Music. This special performance, just days before the duo graces the iconic stage of Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall, promises Kansas City audiences a unique and exclusive experience as Abduraimov and Lozakovich share not only their artistry but also the depth of their friendship.
Abduraimov first discovered Lozakovich’s impressive talent through a YouTube video when the violinist was still in his early teenage years. Their paths crossed in person at the Verbier festival in Switzerland in 2016 and again at the winter festival at Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps. Reflecting on their journey, Behzod fondly recalls, “I remember Daniel came to my recital, and afterwards, we chatted, got friendly, and casually spoke about the idea of performing together, which actually happened first in the summer of 2021.”
Behzod Abduraimov, the current Artist-in-Residence at Park ICM and an alumnus of its internationally renowned piano studio, stands as a paragon of pianistic prowess. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1990, Abduraimov’s international acclaim soared following his gold medal winning performances at the London International Piano Competition in 2009. The New York Times aptly dubbed him the “master of all he surveys,” a testament to his captivating performances with leading orchestras like The Cleveland Orchestra, the Mariinsky Orchestra, and many others. Abduraimov’s album, “Debussy, Chopin, Mussorgsky,” released in January 2021, earned a place among Apple Music’s “10 Classical Albums you must hear.” His trajectory, guided by Park ICM founder Stanislav loudenitch, has positioned him as a superstar in the classical music landscape.
Joining Abduraimov is the prodigious violinist Daniel Lozakovich, born in Stockholm in 2001. Lozakovich made his solo debut at the age of nine, leaving audiences spellbound ever since. His collaborations with eminent conductors and accolades, including the 1st prize at the 2016 Vladimir Spivakov International Violin Competition at age 15, underscore his exceptional talent. Critics have lauded Lozakovich for his “perfect mastery” and “exceptional talent.” His performances at international festivals and prestigious venues, including Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie and the Mariinsky Theatre, further solidify his status as a rising star.
The concert’s program, curated with meticulous care, promises an unforgettable evening, beginning with Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major (“Kreutzer”). “We’ve chosen some of the greatest masterpieces for piano and violin including the most dramatic and vibrant sonatas,” says Abduraimov. “Years ago, upon finishing reading Tolstoy’s thrilling novel “The Kreutzer Sonata,” I immediately wanted to perform it someday and experience the emotional journey that it has to offer, and I’m very delighted to do so with Daniel.”
In the second half, César Franck’s Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, and Schumann’s Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105, will showcase the undeniable synergy between Abduraimov and Lozakovich. Abduraimov explains, “The second act will include the famous Franck A major which can be described as full of light, despair, love and finishes off with a burst of happiness. The closing ‘compact’ Schumann’s first sonata in A minor, which was written only in a few days, showcases Schumann’s inner emotional turbulence.”
In a world where the boundaries of musical brilliance continually expand, Behzod Abduraimov and Daniel Lozakovich emerge as luminaries, transcending the ordinary and elevating classical music to new heights. This concert offers Kansas City audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in the sublime beauty of their interpretations. “Each time I perform at home to the very warm and appreciative audiences of Kansas City is a moving experience for me,” says Abduraimov. “I’m certainly very happy to be able to invite my friend (Lozakovich) here, who is one of the leading artists in the classical world.”
For ticket information and more details, visit icm.park.edu.
