Nemanja Radulović is among the most distinctive violinists of his generation: a musician with an unmistakable stage presence and an increasingly introspective view of the violin repertoire. In a programme entirely dedicated to Tchaikovsky – which also includes Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique” – he performs the composer’s Violin Concerto with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana under the direction of Krzysztof Urbański, a work that has accompanied him since his youth. Radulović talks about change, trust and the openness of his musical thinking.
What is your relationship with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto?
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto has been with me since I was sixteen. My interpretation has changed at every stage of life. An important moment was the recording for Deutsche Grammophon a few years ago. Since then, alongside its great emotional power, I have felt even more tenderness and simplicity, combined with joy, love and nostalgia.
Is this the first time you are working with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana and Maestro Urbański?
With the OSI, this is my first encounter. With Maestro Urbański, on the other hand, I have already played several times and I keep learning new things alongside him. Since we have already performed this concerto together before, there is great trust between us. Every performance is different – the music is created in the moment.
Does folk music play a role in your approach?
Inspiration can come from any genre. Even the great composers of classical music drew inspiration from their own roots.
You have also performed in clubs with “Devil’s Trills” in clubs. What did that experience teach you?
We played several concerts in nightclubs to bring our passion for classical music to new places. It was fascinating to see how, afterwards, many listeners also came to concert halls. I believe there has always been an audience for classical music – and it will continue to be that way.
What interests you today outside of classical music?
What interests me most is discovering new artists – regardless of genre.
What are your projects for the coming years?
My only project is to stay happy and to keep feeling joy – for the rest of my life.
Fri 25 Sep, 7:30 PM | Pathétique: Nemanja Radulović – Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (San Francesco, Locarno)
