Yuri Bashmet, the renowned viola-player, held a gala concert at the National Opera of Ukraine, commemorating his being awarded Ukraine’s most prestigious Outstanding Merits Order. During the press conference the celebrity said, “It’s not the first outstanding international award conferred on me, but I felt exceptionally honored to receive this Ukrainian order. I feel at home in Russia as well as in Ukraine. My heart is divided between these countries, so it’s hard to say which of them I like best; it’s like asking a kid whom he loves best, mom or dad. I spent my childhood and youth in Lviv. I finished music school there. My first professional achievements are also associated with Lviv. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. My father still lives in Lviv, and he visited Kyiv specially to attend my concert. I remember what happened in Munich once. It was funny, really. After the concert, a handsome, middle-aged man, who looked like a regular resident of western Ukraine, approached me and asked whether I came from Lviv. I said yes and he gave me a big smile, then turned to the people surrounding us and said the concert leaflet said nonsensically that Bashmet was born in Rostov-on-the-Don; that he had a keen ear, and that only a true Ukrainian could play the way I do.
“Owing to a variety of circumstances, I have lived in Russia for a long time. I have often received offers to emigrate, and I have declined them all. Performing in other countries is one thing, but permanent residence abroad is something else altogether. I have no private property abroad. Music and devoted audiences are my greatest assets. I feel especially comfortable only when performing at home, in Russia as well as in Ukraine.”
The concert at the National Opera included classics by Tchaikovsky, Paganini, and some Shostakovich pieces, as well as works by the contemporary Japanese composer Takemitsu. Bashmet’s daughter Kseniya, who is a prize-winning pianist, gave a performance in the first part of the concert. (She is a postgraduate of the Moscow Conservatory of Music, where she majored in chamber ensemble, attending T. Alikhanov’s classes). When the celebrity appeared on stage, the audience erupted in an ovation. Yuri Bashmet’s concert was attended by all of Ukraine’s political beau monde, including President Leonid Kuchma, and members of cabinet and parliament.
“Performing in Kyiv is a tremendous responsibility,” stressed the maestro, “because among those present are people who have been to my previous concerts, when I was only starting out on my career. I always try to make the most of every performance, so as not to disappoint anyone in the audience.”
During his encore the legendary viola-player played some compositions by Schnittke and Shchedrin, which were written specially for him. Alfa Bank, TMK-Ukraine Trading House, and 1+1 TV Channel were the sponsors of the concert.
