This program offers a compelling journey through the Romantic era, balancing intimate solo works with high-octane virtuosity. The recital opens with Schumann’s Novelette in F-sharp minor, a sophisticated, lyrical work that showcases the piano’s narrative power. The focus then shifts to the brilliance of the violin with Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 9, a masterclass in the expressive 19th-century violin tradition. The program culminates in Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Originally composed for piano and orchestra, this monumental work is presented today in a grand two-piano arrangement. By transforming the midday stage into a symphonic experience, the performance highlights the technical synergy and shared musical heritage of the Nesterov family, bringing the concert to a resonant and powerful conclusion.
Dmitry Nesterov, Piano
Dmitry Nesterov, piano, is a professional pianist and educator with a versatile career spanning solo performance and collaboration. A familiar face in the Canadian music scene, he takes particular pride in mentoring the next generation of artists and performing alongside his children in unique programs that celebrate shared musical heritage.
Alyona Nesterova, Violin
Alyona Nesterova began studying the violin at the age of four. She is currently in Grade 8 at Twelve Mile Coulee School and is also a Senior Violin participant at the Mount Royal Conservatory’s Academy for the Gifted Youth. Recently, she has been featured as soloist, performing Tomaso Vitali’s Chaconne for violin, organ, and strings, with the Peaks + Prairies Ensemble as part of the 2025 Holiday Tour in Calgary, Cochrane, and Banff.
Nikolai Nesterov, Piano
Nikolai Nesterov’s musical journey has been shaped by both family and community, with music playing a central role in his life from an early age. He has appeared as a soloist in the 2023 ProArts Society Concert Series and the 2024 Music @ Noon Series at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, and frequently performs alongside his parents, pianist Dmitry Nesterov and violinist Olga Kotova. Together, they have appeared in concerts such as the “Stingray Classical Live at the King Eddy” series and the Honens summer festival concert series.
A highlight of Nikolai’s artistic development was his debut performance of the first movement of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Nikolai is also a three-time runner-up of the Calgary Concerto Competition and an active member of the Peaks + Prairies Ensemble, founded by his brother, Lev Nesterov.
He has participated in programs such as Orford Musique, Alberta PianoFest, and the Comox Summer Youth Music Camp, studying with renowned musicians including David Jalbert, Frederic Chiu, and Orli Shaham. At the moment Nikolai is pursuing a Master degree in music performance studying with the renown pianist Henry Kramer. Beyond performing, Nikolai enjoys teaching piano and music theory and regularly volunteers by performing for seniors in the Calgary community. Outside of music, he is interested in computer programming, the outdoors, and photography.