Margarita Shevchenko (piano)

About this event

Virtuosa Piano in the Russian Grand Tradition

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From Reverie to Rapture

Russian-born pianist Margarita Shevchenko brings her commanding artistry to FIU Wertheim for a solo recital in FOCM’s 71st Anniversary Season.

This compelling piano recital brings together three of the most distinctive voices in the piano repertoire, exploring a world of imagination, passion, and extraordinary musical expression. Ravel’s Ondine evokes a shimmering, mysterious world of water and enchantment, combining breathtaking virtuosity with exquisite delicacy and color. Three works by Scriabin reveal the composer’s richly expressive musical language, from the elegance and sensuality of the Waltz and the intimate lyricism of the Poème to the sweeping passion and dramatic intensity of the Fantasy.

The program culminates in Chopin’s magnificent Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, one of the towering masterpieces of Romantic piano literature. Its soaring melodies, profound introspection, and exhilarating finale bring the recital to a thrilling conclusion. Together, these works trace a fascinating journey through contrasting musical landscapes, celebrating the piano’s remarkable capacity for poetry, emotional depth, and virtuosity.

On the Program

• Ravel Ondine

• Scriabin Valse, Op. 38, in A-flat major

• Scriabin Poème, Op. 32, No. 1, in F-sharp major

• Scriabin Fantasy, Op. 28, in B minor

• Chopin Sonata No. 3, Op. 58, in B minor

Watch & Listen

Watch Margarita Shevchenko

Artist Spotlight

→ Short interview clips — drag or swipe

Part 1: Pianist Margarita Shevchenko on performing Chopin’s Third Sonata in Warsaw

Part 2: Margarita Shevchenko on a sonata that has grown with her

Part 3: Margarita Shevchenko on Scriabin’s devotion to Chopin

Part 4: Margarita Shevchenko on composers who write for the pianist’s hands

Part 5: Margarita Shevchenko on Chopin, Scriabin, and a life in ten minutes

Part 6: Margarita Shevchenko on Ravel’s Ondine

Part 7: Margarita Shevchenko on her path from Russia to Moscow’s Central Music School

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The Artist

Piano

Margarita Shevchenko

Margarita Shevchenko was born in Perm, in the Urals region of Russia. Coming from a musical family, she started playing piano at the age of 5. In 1983 she moved to Moscow to study at the renowned Moscow Central Music School and later at the Moscow State Conservatory.

Margarita’s teachers were Sergei Dizhur and Professor Vera Gornostayeva, both of whom were students of the legendary Heinrich Neuhaus — a teacher of many great pianists such as Emil Gilels, Sviatoslav Richter, and Radu Lupu.

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Presented at the FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center.