The 2nd Piano Concerto of Johannes Brahms is a work of epic stature – even if he himself referred to it as “a tiny little piano concerto”... it is known among pianists as ‘the long terror’, a highly demanding marathon.

Not a problem for Nikolai Lugansky: after having won a number of prestigious prizes, the pianist gained an iron-clad reputation in the Russian repertoire. We now know better, and it has become clear that Lugansky’s magic and mastery thrives on a much broader palette: “The most important experiences in music are not linked to a language or country, but with associations such as the universe, passion, God and peace.”

Nikolai Lugansky is Artist-in-residence at Flagey this season.