Pulsar 3: Russian Rhythms

Daria KOVTUNOVA, violin

The native of Russia, Daria Kovtunova received her Master Degree in violin performance from one of the oldest in Russia music institutions – Saratov State Conservatory named after Sobinov. After graduation, she has been continued polishing her skills under the supervision of a world-renowned professor of violin Sergei Fatkulin. Daria was awarded numerous competitions prizes and performed extensively across Russia and Asia.

Since relocating to Hong Kong, Daria became an active member of local cultural life frequently performing with HKUST, Sai Kung Sound Collective, Russian Culture Festival, and Russian Sound Music Academy concert series. Daria is serving as a core player at the City Chamber Orchestra and the violin faculty at the Russian Sound Music Academy.

Natalia TOKAR, piano

Natalia Tokar received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in piano performance from St. Petersburg State Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in Russia and Michigan State University in the United States. She has been developing her interpretation skills under the leadership of Russian pianists and scholars Nadezhda Eismont and Ivan Rosanov, American pianist Deborah Moriarty, Japanese pianist Sean Botkin, and Korean pianist Minsoo Sohn. Natalia has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist in Russia, the United States, Hong Kong, and China including performances in St. Petersburg Philharmonic Hall and Carnegie Hall. As a skillful collaborative pianist, she was invited to serve at multiple international vocal and instrumental competitions in the United States and Hong Kong including recent Hong Kong International Operatic Singing Competition in 2018.

After residing in Hong Kong, Natalia became an active performer with HK Musica Viva, HKUST Center for the Arts and Music Alive, Musica del Cuore, Russian Culture Festival, Sai Kung Sound Collective as well as produced several concert programs in 2018, such as Slavic Celebration Gala, Palace Assemblies and others. Natalia is a founder and director of Russian Sound Music Academy in Hong Kong. As a passionate music educator, she serves frequently as an adjudicator at the local piano competitions and works on developing programs creating performance opportunities to young local talents.

Alfred Schnittke

Suite in the Old Style for violin and piano

1. Pastoral  
2. Ballet 
3. Minuet 
4. Fugue
5. Pantomime     

Sergei Prokofiev

 Pieces for piano op. 32

1. Dance
2. Minuet
3. Gavotte

Gavotte, from Symphony No. 1 “Classical”

Igor Stravinsky

Italian Suite for violin and piano

1. Introduction
2. Serenade
3. Tarantella
4. Gavotte and variations
5. Scherzino
6. Minuet and Finale

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