Meet Vadim Gluzman

Your first appearance with the Philharmonia Orchestra was unexpected – in April 2022 you stepped in for Nicola Benedetti at 24 hours’ notice, to play Brahms’s Violin Concerto. How did that feel?

It felt as it feels every time I play Brahms’ Concerto – climbing Mount Everest and wishing that every second will last a lifetime!

What was your impression of the Philharmonia from that experience?

This was one of the most incredible moments of “meeting” a new orchestra – it felt straight away that I know them and they know me. The musical and emotional connection was truly immediate, something you do not experience too often! And of course working with Santtu Matias-Rouvali is always an enormous joy.

There was a great sense of goodwill towards you from the audience that day, and they loved your performance. In a big venue like the Royal Festival Hall, do you get a sense of how the audience is reacting while you are playing, or not until the applause at the end of a piece?

I dare say that the connection with audience is felt (or not!) already during the performance. Of course, we, the musicians, appreciate the applause, but for me it is secondary. That untouchable thread, that electricity if you will, between us and the public – if it is there, it can be truly magical. That day the link was almost palpable…

What’s your favorite thing about Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2?

Shostakovich No.2 is one of the most important works for me in the repertoire, I feel deeply connected to this piece. Written at the end of his life, its depth, emotional impact and power is almost overwhelming. It is a work that requires a close collaboration with orchestra and conductor, far above and beyond the usual “soloist/accompaniment” mindset. I cannot wait to play this piece with the Philharmonia!

And what’s the biggest challenge about it for the soloist?

This is an enormous work, which requires incredible stamina in every sense – emotional, mental and physical. The technical challenges are mighty, but it is the extraordinary message of this music which is the most important and dear to me.

We often have young people who are learning musical instruments in the audience at our Sunday afternoon concerts – what advice would you give them?

Be open minded – I think it is one of the most important qualities for a musician, artist and human being. Give yourself a chance to experience, hear, play, live – all of it contributes to finding who you truly are!

Which concert coming up in our London season would you really like to hear, and why?

I would have to say it’s two concerts – I would love to hear my wonderful colleague Isabelle Faust play the Beethoven Concerto on 2 June, and having heard Santtu’s incredible interpretation of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony in Berlin last November, I would love to hear it again – 7 April!

Vadim Gluzman joins us to play Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in London on Sunday 4 February.