Russian State Symphony Orchestra
NOW BOOKING February 5 – 25, 2023 (USA)
Valery Polyansky: Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1957 as part of the All-Union Broadcasting System, the Russian State Symphony Orchestra has established itself as one of Russia's most esteemed musical ensembles. Guided by a lineage of legendary conductors—including Samosud, Aranovich, Shostakovich, and Rozhdestvensky—it entered a new era of excellence in the early 1990s under the leadership of Valery Polyansky, who has served as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor for over three decades.
Known previously as the State Symphony Capella of Russia, the orchestra merged with the internationally acclaimed State Capella of Russia choir, a union that fascinated Maestro Polyansky. With his visionary leadership, he has curated diverse repertoires for both orchestra and choir, creating performances that honor the traditions of Russian classical music while embracing modern interpretations.
The Russian State Symphony Orchestra is celebrated worldwide for its disciplined performances, rich tonal quality, and expressive interpretations. Critics have praised the orchestra’s mastery of the symphonic traditions of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. “The Symphonies by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff performed by the orchestra became a model of the highly respected tradition of interpretation and performance,” wrote Corriere Della Sera in Italy. A British critic from The Star remarked, “While listening to the music conducted by Maestro Polyansky, one starts thinking whether there is a limit to perfection.”
The orchestra’s international presence is extensive, with recent tours across Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Croatia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Future seasons include performances in Europe, the United States, and Japan, where audiences can experience the orchestra’s celebrated sound and close artistic unity with Maestro Polyansky.
About Valery Polyansky
Born in Moscow in 1949, Valery Polyansky has dedicated his life to music. After studying choral conducting with Professor Kulikov at the Moscow Conservatory, he expanded his expertise to include symphonic conducting under the mentorship of the legendary Gennady Rozhdestvensky, who became both a teacher and a lifelong friend.
Polyansky’s career began in the Operetta Theatre and the Bolshoi Theatre, where he conducted Shostakovich’s opera Katerina Izmailova alongside Rozhdestvensky. He later collaborated with leading orchestras in Belarus, Finland, Germany, and beyond, including the production of Eugene Onegin in Sweden and serving as Chief Conductor of the “Opera Nights” festival in Gothenburg.
In 1992, Polyansky assumed leadership of the State Symphony Capella of Russia, overseeing an ensemble of over 200 artists. His rare ability to seamlessly combine choral and symphonic conducting has allowed him to tackle a vast repertoire spanning Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary works. Under his direction, the orchestra and choir have gained a reputation for stylistic precision and faithfulness to the spirit of the compositions they perform.
Polyansky’s Legacy and Recordings
Valery Polyansky has a prolific discography, recording works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and many others for prestigious labels. His recording of Schnittke’s 8th Symphony with Chandos Records was named “Best Recording of the Year” in 2001. Polyansky’s unique artistry extends to the recording studio, where his technical expertise and creative vision consistently produce exceptional results.
With his relentless work ethic, conducting both the orchestra and choir daily while exploring new scores and expanding his repertoire, Polyansky exemplifies the spirit of a true maestro. His ability to inspire musicians and audiences alike ensures that the Russian State Symphony Orchestra remains at the forefront of global classical music.
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PROGRAMS
Glinka: Ruslan & Ludmila Overture
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol
Borodin: Polovisian Dances
Tchaikovsky: Polonaise from Evgeni Onegin
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Tchaikovsky: Symphony #4
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Glinka – Ruslan & Ludmila Overture
Schumann – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, Polina Osetinskaya, Soloist
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Rachmaninoff – Symphony #3 in A minor, Op. 44
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Glinka – Ruslan & Ludmila Overture
Grieg – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Pavel Nersessian, Soloist
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Tchaikovsky – Symphony #4
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Glinka: Ruslan & Ludmyla Overture
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol
Borodin: Polovisian Dances
Tchaikovsky: Polonaise from Evgeni Onegin
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Tchaikovsky: Symphony #4
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Glinka – Ruslan & Ludmila Overture
Grieg – Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Polina Osetinskaya, Soloist
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Rachmaninoff – Symphony #3 in A minor, Op. 44
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Tchaikovsky: Marche slave in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, Polina Osetinskaya, Soloist
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Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Orchestra & Soloists’ Photos
Stage Setup (click to download)
What international press said about the Russian State Symphony Orchestra:
Polyansky and his orchestra captured the heart of demanding audience by its emotionally tense, passionate performing. Never before did our listeners demand an encore with such insistence and admiration. – “Merano”, Italy
The feeling of creative unity and artistic harmony were perhaps the most amazing of the concert performance of the Orchestra, headed by Valery Polyansky. – “Balver Lokalteil”, Deutschland
Music sparkled and glittered in the magnificent performing of musicians from Moscow…Artists’ eyes were fixed on Polyansky, and the complete understanding was felt among them… The Choir and the Orchestra achieved an exceptional blend of sounding , now tender, now powerful, but always vivid coloring… – “Le Monde”, France
