In the year marking the creation of George Gershwin’s iconic composition Rhapsody in Blue, the orchestra of the State Opera Ruse, featuring internationally renowned pianist Simeon Goshev as soloist and conducted by Maestro Dimitar Kosev, will present the legendary American work to its home audience. On the romantic summer night of July 26, under the open sky in front of the Ruse Opera House, the people of Ruse will have the wonderful opportunity to once again feel the warmth of Gershwin’s music.
Internationally acclaimed Bulgarian concert pianist Simeon Goshev – a distinguished performer for Bösendorfer pianos, known as the embodiment of the Viennese tradition in tone production and musical expression – will appear on the Ruse stage especially to showcase a concert grand, one of the newest models by the world-famous piano manufacturer. The concert is held under the patronage of Bösendorfer.
The young Bulgarian pianist Simeon Goshev lives and works in Vienna. His vivid and emotionally charged interpretations – especially of works by the Viennese classics and composers of the 20th and 21st centuries – are highly praised throughout Europe. In recent years, his career has been remarkably successful, with numerous concerts in Germany, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and Bulgaria. His recordings have been broadcast on Bulgarian National Television, Bulgarian National Radio, Austrian National Radio, and Bavarian Radio. He is the recipient of prestigious awards from international piano competitions – including the Grand Prize at the Bösendorfer Competition in Vienna, Second Prize at the Pancho Vladigerov Competition in Shumen, two awards from the Leoš Janáček Competition in Brno, and many others.
Here is what Simeon Goshev shared:
On July 26, at the “Stage under the Stars” festival of State Opera Ruse, a remarkable concert featuring You is scheduled. Let’s start with the question – how did the idea for this concert come about?
The idea for the concert was born after a joint performance with Maestro Dimitar Kosev last winter in Shumen. We hadn’t met before that, but from the very first notes of the rehearsal, we found common ground and shared ideas, and we managed to create a wonderful concert. We both felt that we definitely had to share the stage again.
Do You remember when you first heard and when you first played Gershwin’s music?
Gershwin’s music is so beloved and popular! I don’t think people realize just how present it is all around us. I assume – like most people – I first heard it in a cartoon, as a child.
You will perform “Rhapsody in Blue” in the year of its creation. What do you hope to convey to the audience with your performance on the romantic summer night of July 26?
I want to evoke that feeling, that thrill – of being in America at the beginning of the 20th century. That typical and contagious American positivity and optimism, so beautifully expressed in the fusion of classical music and jazz.
You are a featured performer for Bösendorfer pianos, known as the embodiment of Viennese tradition in tone and interpretation, and You will be in Ruse to demonstrate a concert grand – one of the latest models by the renowned manufacturer. How do You connect with this instrument, and how would you describe in three words what is born from your interaction with it?
Every Bösendorfer instrument is so special and unique – like a personality! When I’m on stage with a Bösendorfer, I never feel alone.
Tradition. Individuality. Innovation!
To me, jazz is the music of freedom, and everyone who has an inner need for it is drawn to the genre. You mainly perform classical music – how did You come to play jazz as well?
Rhapsody in Blue is more of a symbiosis between classical and jazz. But jazz has always attracted me. From an early age I’ve listened to jazz, and at some point, I started experimenting at the piano. Unfortunately, I don’t always have enough time to dedicate to the genre, but I get immense joy whenever I have the opportunity to play jazz pieces.
Unlike string and wind players who have their own instruments and carry them everywhere, You often have to perform on different pianos – except for this concert, where the piano will travel all the way from Vienna to Ruse. How do You adapt, and how long does it take to get to know a new instrument?
We pianists have to get used to this from the very beginning. Adapting is, of course, a challenge – but also quite exciting. Sometimes the surprises from the instrument on site are extremely positive. That’s when new ideas come, a new search begins, new inspiration arrives.
Audiences in Bulgaria have already had the chance to enjoy your performances. Have You played in Ruse before?
Yes, I perform quite often in Bulgaria. Especially this year, I’ve appeared on many new stages. I haven’t had the chance to play in Ruse yet, but I’ve heard wonderful things about the city, the people, and the orchestra. I’m looking forward to the concert with great anticipation.
And what do you expect from the upcoming concert on July 26, and how would You invite the audience to attend?
I expect a magical atmosphere, beautiful music under the stars, the joy of performing with Maestro Kosev and the orchestra of Ruse State Opera, about whom I’ve heard a lot. I believe this will be a truly special experience for the audience. The music fits perfectly with the time and place of the concert.
Gershwin and his America – under the starry summer sky in Ruse.
Interview by Diana Dimitrova
Photo: courtesy of Simeon Goshev
TICKETS available at the “OPERA” box office and HERE.
