ANDOVSKA, Darija (1979- ); MKD [all files] Odyssey Balkanica - Macedonia 2001, for bassoon, violin, 2 cellos, accordion, and piano (2002) [8:49 · 16.1M] KOZARENKO, Alexander (1963- ); UKR [all files] Romanza, for clarinet, trombone, cello and piano [5:14 · 4.8M] Inventions, for 2 violins and 2 cellos (1990) [8:40 · 7.9M] LARCHIKOV, Vadim (1967- ); UKR [all files] Ave maris stella, for violin and accordion (1998) [18:06 · 33.1M] Mystery I: The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, for 2 violins and 2 cellos (1998) [11:32 · 10.6M] SAMODAIEVA, Liudmilla (1951- ); UKR [f] [all files] And he has seen the Light, for octet (1998) [10:55 · 10.0M] SHCHETYNSKY, Alexander (1960- ); UKR [all files] Way to Meditation, for flute, clarinet, violin, cello and piano (1990) [13:16 · 12.2M] TSEPKOLENKO, Karmella (1955- ); UKR [f] [all files] Night Preference, for clarinet, percussion, cello and piano (1991) [10:11 · 9.3M] YURINA, Liudmilla (1962- ); UKR [f] [all files] Klangillusion II, for violin, cello, and piano (2002) [8:57 · 16.4M] ZAGAYKEVYCH, Alla (1966- ); UKR [f] [all files] Choven (The Boat, 1999), for clarinet, violin and cello [9:23 · 8.6M] Heroneja, for bassoon, violin, cello, piano, and electronics, (2002) [10:47 · 19.8M]

Vadim Larchikov

The Frescos Contemporary Music Ensemble, formed in 1990 by cellist, conductor, and composer Vadim Larchikov - who is likewise featured here at the Classical Archives as a composer, and as a member of the Duo Violoncellissimo - began as a performing entity of the Odessa Music Academy. Between 1994 and 1998 the ensemble performed under the auspices of the Odessa State Philharmonic Society, and since 1998, they have been an independent group.

As the name suggests, the ensemble focuses much on 20th- and 21st-century compositions, but likewise includes in its repertory a great number of works from the 17th-19th centuries, as well as non-traditional arrangements of Slavonic folk music. This blend of contemporary and traditional is grounded in the ensemble's desire to present new works within an historical context; it likewise arises out of the members' emphasis on works that address fundamental spiritual and philosophical problems.

Not surprisingly, Ukrainian composers, including Tsepkolenko, Samodaieva, and Larchikov himself, make up a large part of their repertory, though they have worked with composers and performers from across Europe - including composers Tristan Murail and F. Döhl; conductors J.Schöllhorn and B.Wulff; flutist C.Levine and vocalist C.Ascher, among others. Their performances have frequently involved multi-media presentations, as well as quasi-theatrical productions.

The ensemble has performed in concerts and festivals throughout Ukraine, as well as in Russia, Azerbaijan, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Moldova, and Poland. They have appeared on 9 CDs and have recorded for various TV and radio companies, both in Ukraine and abroad. Among their awards include 2nd Prize at the 7th Carlo Soliva International Chamber Ensembles Competition in Casale Monferrato, Italy (1996).

Reviews

      "The Frescos...are a combination of talent and professionalism..."

Odessa Herald (Ukraine)

      "The Frescos Ensemble created a true high-point in the city's cultural life...the audience experienced high art..."

Badische Zeitung (Germany)

      "The Frescos Ensemble is distinguished by a special sense of the new manner of performance...A unique type of courage, refinement, and expressive artistry are innate in the ensemble's style..."

Music Academy (Russia)

The Frescos Contemporary Music Ensemble email: larchikov@hotmail.com