Alexander Malofeev, the prodigy pianist who comes to Peru for the first time

How are musical prodigies formed? Perhaps with enrollment in some school that focuses a child’s attention on an instrument. After the first encounter between music and childish wonder, the path is traced. That was the case of the 21-year-old Russian Alexander Malofeevwho found in the piano a way to get to know himself and the whole world.

At just 13 years old and after achieving a series of victories in Russian competitions, he decided to dedicate himself completely to being a pianist, developing a schedule of presentations that would take him to countries like Spain, the United States and Italy, among other countries that marked a first stage in which he had special support from his parents. “No one in my family is a musician, but they knew I was on the right path”adds Malofeev in an interview with El Comercio.

The influence of his environment played as important a role as the unconditional support of his parents. Raised in Moscow, the artist was surrounded by a rich musical tradition and the artistic school left behind by great masters of classical music, such as the Russian composer Stravinsky or Tchaikovsky. Although Malofeev admits that the past glories of Russian classical music are significant, he also remarks that his recognition largely depended on his own efforts. “Being an internationally renowned artist is more about individual dedication, hard work, talent and opportunity, no matter where you come from”add.

A particular vision

For Malofeev, the discourse of adapting to the country where he plays is something he leaves to other artists. Instead, he seeks to bring his own vibe to the venue where he performs. “The essence of a concert is to create, even for a few hours, a kind of ‘glass dome’ under which one can forget about everything that happens outside”says the artist.

This different way of seeing the presentations also applies to classical music, which he does not see as an untouchable element, but as an art in constant change. “Innovation does not mean moving away from the original essence of the piece, but adding my own unique perspective and emotions”emphasizes the pianist, who considers that the times when this art was considered elitist are over.

Collateral damage

What also ceased, for a period of time, were the pianist’s concerts due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which greatly affected the way of life of millions of people on the European continent. Artists did not escape this situation, and more than 20 Malofeev concerts were abruptly cancelled. In addition, the lack of response from the producers with whom they had programmed the shows was added.

However, for the young artist, what happened to him was simply the collateral damage of a conflict that has failed to undermine his art. “My cancellations are pretty insignificant compared to the real human suffering that is happening right now. It is unfortunate that in the 21st century problems are once again resolved in a primitive way. I’d like to find a solution, but pretty much all I can do is create music. That is precisely what I am doing.”comment.

The one-date concert that will be offered at the Colegio Santa Úrsula Auditorium this Thursday, August 17 at 8:30 pm will have a special interpretation of a sonata by Weinberg, a little-explored but highly talented Russian artist, with whom Malofeev finds similarities.