On December 11th Denis Shapovalov celebrates his birthday at the Moscow Performing Arts Center. The concert also has another reason - the 10-years anniversary of the collaboration with a remarkable pianist Alexander Vershinin.

The artistic union - a cellist Denis Shapovalov and a pianist Alexander Vershinin was formed in 1998 at the Moscow State Conservatory. Up to this time Alexander was a prizewinner of international piano contests and a teacher of the Moscow State Conservatory. The success which accompanied the duo’s subsequentperformances brought the pair numerous invitations to play in concerts and at festivals around the world.

The young musicians haveappeared at international festivals in France, Germany, Japan, and the USA. At Rostropovich’s festival, “Rencontres Musical d’Evian,” in Evian (France), the artists’ performance was lauded not only by the audience, but by the Maestro himself, as well. Shapovalov and Vershinin have live recordings made by Russian State TV/Radio company “Culture”, “Radio France,” “NY Public Radio”, the French TV channels “Mezzo” and “Cenqueime.”

The concerts of the duo are always followed by hearty ovations. The ensemble’s artistry is distinguished by technical and emotional synchronicity, and adaptability to the multifarious styles of different epochs.

“Shapovalov and Vershinin form an incomparable duo! Сello and piano seem to sound like one instrument. That is astounding!” Sud-Ouest, France

“They play together with an interlocking instinct, a union of style, temperament and understanding, that is exciting to experience. Both are the masters of their instruments.” The Advocate, USA

“Don’t sit at home, go and listen to them, it’s worth it! Hats off for your talent, gentlemen Russian musicians!” La nouvelle republique, France

On December, 11th Denis and Alexander will appear in 2 genres - classical and jazz. The artists invited their friends to perform together - winner of Tchaikovsky International Competition violinist Nikolay Sachenko, winner of Yuri Bashmet International Competition violist Mikhail Bereznitsky, as well as talented jazz musicians - bass-guitarist Alexey Zavolokin and drummer Dmitry Selipanov.

In the first part will be performed Brahms Piano quartet #1 and the second part the audience will have an opportunity to hear jazz pieces by Bolling, Gershwin and Jobim.