Maxim Kinasov after his prize-winning performance at the HIPCC finals in March (photo: John Cole).

HIPCC runner-up Kinasov returns for summer recital

Maxim Kinasov, the brilliant young Russian pianist who won second prize and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra prize at this year’s Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, is returning to the town to give this year’s prestigious Summer Recital at picturesque Fairlight Hall, on the afternoon of Sunday 7 July. Julian Norridge writes.

Since his success here on the south coast in March, Maxim has gone on to win first prize at this year’s 29^th Cantu International Piano Competition in Italy.

Born in Moscow, Maxim made his orchestral debut at the age of nine and his solo recital debut a year later. Having studied at the famous Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, he is now studying for a master’s degree in performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

In recent years Maxim has been awarded many top prizes at major national and international competitions, given concerts at illustrious venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, and made several recordings, which have been aired on BBC Radio 3.

“We are delighted to welcome Maxim Kinasov back to Hastings to perform at our prestigious summer concert on Sunday 7 July,” says Ian Roberts, managing director of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition.

“Max is one of the most exciting young pianists of his generation, wowing the Hastings audience with his virtuosic performance and innate musicianship during the March final. We are delighted that he has gone on to win other international prizes and will be returning to our town to  give this very special performance.”

Maxim’s programme will include Beethoven’s Sonata No. 30 in E major, Sergei Slonimsky’s Intermezzo in memory of Brahms and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Paganini in A Minor. The concert will also feature Mussorgsky’s much-loved Pictures at an Exhibition.

The beautiful gardens at Fairlight Hall will be open to ticket holders for picnics from 12 noon. Refreshments will be available. The recital itself will begin at 2pm.

Maxim Kinasov, HIPCC Summer Recital Fairlight Hall, Martineau Lane, Fairlight, East Sussex TN35 5DR, Sunday 7 July, 2pm. Tickets cost £20 and are available online and from Hastings Tourist Information Centre (01424 451111).

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