Vadym Kholodenko mesmerises and thrills in Singapore recital

Vadym Kholodenko

By Chang Tou Liang, 14 June 2025

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“technical sleight-of-hand took a backseat to poetic sensibilities”

Reviewed at Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore on 12 June 2025

Byrd, First Pavan and Galliard

Byrd, John Come Kiss Me Now

Saariaho, Ballade

Beethoven, Piano Sonata no. 16 in G major, Op.31 no.1

Liszt, 3 Concert Etudes, S 144

Liszt, 4 Valses oubliées, S 215

Liszt, Valse-impromptu, S 213

Liszt, Scherzo und Marsch, S 177

Poulenc, L'Embarquement pour Cythère, FP 150 (arr. Kholodenko)

Schumann, Kinderszenen, Op.15: Der Dichter spricht

Vadym Kholodenko, Piano

High-wire pianism from Vadym Kholodenko at Wigmore Hall

Jessica Duchen, 9th December

An evening of bone-shaking intensity with the Ukrainian pianist offering a challenging programme of Beethoven's Hammerklavier and music by Lyatoshynsky and Liszt, with no safety net and no hint of compromise.

*****

Exciting Bacewicz and Lutosławski from Tadaaki Otaka and the BBC NOW

Nick Boston, 30th July

Strong performances of Bacewicz and Lutosławski in Tadaaki Otaka's final outing with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the Proms, with technically commanding and sincere Rachmaninov from Vadym Kholodenko.

***11

Conductor Mihhail Gerts impresses in Belfast

Leighton Jones, 1st December

Mihhail Gerts and Vadym Kholodenko delight in Bartók, while the Ulster Orchestra’s playing pleases in two five-movement symphonic works.

****1

James Feddeck and the BSO excel in Poole

David Truslove, 11th December

American maestro James Feddeck draws demonstrable vigour and memorable performances from the BSO in core repertoire.

*****

Genuine communion in LA: Vadym Kholodenko

Laurence Vittes, 26th April

Chapman University’s new Musco Center for the Arts inaugurated its Distinguished Piano Series with a sophisticated, 50 Shades of Gray Liszt and Scriabin recital by 2013 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Vadym Kholodenko.

An ornithological interlude in Sydney

Tony Burke, 11th November

Alan Holley's Oboe Concerto formed the centrepiece of Miguel Harth-Bedoya's Sydney Symphony programme.

*****

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Chang Tou Liang

Chang Tou Liang, a native of Singapore, is a family physician by profession. Actively following the classical music scene in Singapore since 1979, he has been a music reviewer of The Straits Times from 1997, contributing over 2300 articles to the national daily. He was also editor of several local musical newsletters and served as Artistic Director of the Singapore International Piano Festival from 2004 to 2008. His blog Pianomania has covered international piano competitions and musical events in four continents. He has a keen interest in travelling, street food and cat photography.