Pushkin House Music Salon: 100 years of Electronic Music

Two Russian-British composers, Gabriel Prokofiev and Lydia Kavina, as well as the pianist Thomas Ang, are presenting a program of music for theremin and electronics. The theremin, invented in 1919, started the era of electronic music, which made a dramatic development through the century. This unique music instrument, controlled without a physical touch, is still one of the most intriguing music phenomenon. Lydia Kavina demonstrates the great variety of styles and sounds in her theremin repertoire. Gabriel Prokofiev has emerged at the forefront of a new approach to classical music in the UK, recognized by the Financial Times as being “in the vanguard of redefining classical music conventions.” In his projects, Gabriel masterfully integrates academic composing technique into the world of electronic sounds and DJ technology. Thomas Ang has a deep interest in Russian music and a taste for the modern and experimental, with technique and musicality to match. The concert program will include Messiaen “Oraison”, “Fata Morgana” by Lydia Kavina, “Howl!” by Gabriel Prokofiev and other works.”

Born in Moscow and currently living in Oxfordshire, UK, Lydia Kavina is one of the world’s leading performers of the theremin. She began studying the theremin at the age of 9 under the direction of Léon Theremin, who was first cousin of her grandfather. Five years later she was ready to give her first theremin concert, which marked the beginning of her exceptional career that has so far led to more than a thousand concerts and theatre, radio and television performances of classic and contemporary music, throughout the world.

Gabriel Prokofiev creates music that both embraces and challenges western classical traditions. A London-based composer, producer, DJ, and founder of the NONCLASSICAL record label and club night, he has emerged at the forefront of a new approach to classical music in the UK, recognized by the Financial Times as being “in the vanguard of redefining classical music conventions.” Prokofiev’s distinctive sound is informed by his background as a producer of hip-hop, grime, and electro records, as well as his earlier involvement in electroacoustic music at York and Birmingham Universities, where he won a Residency prize at the prestigious Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition in 1998.

Thomas is currently on a Masters of Music year at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Hamish Milne. He is gaining recognition for his thoughtful and searching recital programmes, having presented a string of critical successes, as well as being a quick and sensitive accompanist and collaborator. He has won prizes for his performances of Beethoven, Frederick Delius, Arthur Bliss and the contemporary piano repertoire.