17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
"Alexey Shor is a composer with a unique style," says Daniel Lozakovich ahead of InClassica 2025
Dubai is set to welcome back the acclaimed InClassica International Music Festival this April 2025, as the prestigious classical music event makes its eagerly-awaited return for its 14th edition. Running from April 6 to 21 at Dubai Opera, this year's festival promises an unforgettable celebration of classical music, uniting world-class musicians, conductors, and orchestras for a special edition honouring the 55th birthday of composer-in-residence Alexey Shor.
Among the stellar artists gracing the stage is Swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, a prodigious talent who has captivated audiences worldwide with his emotional performances and technical brilliance. Since making his solo debut at just nine years old, Lozakovich has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras and conductors, earning widespread acclaim for his deeply expressive interpretations. A Deutsche Grammophon recording artist since the age of 15, he has built an impressive discography that includes works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach, and Shor.
Lozakovich's participation in InClassica 2025 is highly anticipated, with the violinist set to perform in two concerts — on April 12 and April 21. These performances will see him collaborating with the Franz Schubert Filharmonia under the baton of Mikhail Pletnev, as well as presenting a duo recital where Pletnev will accompany him on piano.
Remarking on the opportunity to return to InClassica, Lozakovich reflected on the importance of bringing classical music to new audiences, stating that "the most wonderful thing for me is that I have the chance to bring immortal music, which is the most important thing for creating hope for people, and, in particular, to bring this to a place like Dubai. It's such an important contribution to help develop culture and to bring dreams, hope, and reflections of the soul."
For Lozakovich, InClassica is a festival unlike any other, with the violinist speaking passionately about InClassica's impact in the UAE, noting the festival's role in cultivating a deeper appreciation for classical music in the region. "Music is something that protects your dreams," he declared, "and it is one of the greatest things to help bring about, especially in a place where it's quite new, like Dubai. And once it starts, it can develop very quickly. Twenty years ago, China had this cultural boom; it was quite new then, and now it's one of the main places for the arts. That's why it's so important to evolve classical music in different regions."
Lozakovich's two performances at InClassica 2025 will showcase an exciting and diverse selection of works. In his first concert, the soloist, under the baton of Mikhail Pletnev, will present Alexey Shor's Phoenix Fantasy and Verdiana, two pieces which, in his words, 'represent new visions, a new voice, and we always have to support contemporary music because this brings new dimensions of feelings, and dimensions of feeling that touch the heart.'
Then, for their duo recital, Lozakovich and Pletnev will present an eclectic programme featuring Schubert's Sonatina, Grieg's Sonata, Franck's Sonata, and the Shor/Pletnev Sonata. The violinist described this programme as an 'exhibition' of different musical cultures and styles, stating that "these are all different genres, all different spirits, and all different styles. We wanted to show, in some ways, a whole exhibition of different cultures, different times, and different expressions that are each equally immortal."
A firm advocate for Alexey Shor's music, Lozakovich praised the composer's ability to create melodies that resonate with both musicians and audiences, as he explained that "Alexey Shor is a composer with a unique style. There is a touch of heart in his melodies, and the way his music is written. Usually, contemporary music is quite complex and is not always very interesting. With Alexey Shor's music, there is always a touch of heart which is unique for contemporary music."
Looking ahead beyond InClassica, Lozakovich revealed that he has an exciting season coming up, with scheduled performances in Australia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as a major new project — the formation of his own string orchestra! "This is being put together for next year', he said. "It's an initiative where I'm combining people with a strong spirit, and people I admire as musicians, all brought together in one string orchestra at the highest level, and this is something I'm very much looking forward to!"
For more information about the 2025 edition of InClassica, held in honour of Alexey Shor, and to purchase tickets for any of the concerts, do make sure to visit today.
