The instrumental show

PIANOMANIЯ sounds the same in all the world languages. In the same way, Dmitry Malikov’s instrumental music appeals to people of all nations and walks of life. He works in the most democratic of the music genres, which, however does not tolerate any false notes, and his audience are used to trusting only their own hearts. Dmitry graduated from the Moscow Conservatory and the connoisseurs have long been awaiting for his return to the classical tradition. Contrary to their expectations, he decided against taking the beaten track and prepared a true instrumental show, the like of such has never been given in Russia before. It combines the traditions of Russian classical music, modern adaptations, ethnic tunes, elements of theatrical performances and visual art – Dmitry is not afraid to experiment with different genres and styles in an attempt to overcome the limits of conventionality. "PIANOMANIЯ is a bridge between classical and modern music. The time has come when people are ready to listen to more serious music, so this art form deserves worthy presentation on the big stage and should be given a chance to develop independently", - says Dmitry Malikov.

Solo concerts, during which Dmitry Malikov acts as a composer and a pianist, are true instrumental shows, where music is intertwined with virtual reality. Even the grand piano, on which Dmitry performs his music, strikes the audience with its unusual design – in spite of its traditional shape, the piano is made of transparent glass. Lighting effects, daring scenery, unexpected changes of the close-ups give new shades and colours to the music and turn the concert into a breath-taking performance.  Especially for PIANOMANIЯ Dmitry has prepared unusual duets with outstanding musicians – Igor Butman, who plays the saxophone, and Aleksey Arkhipovsky, who plays the Russian balalaika. The show is full of surprises and nobody will be bored. PIANOMANIЯ was staged by Dmitry CHERNYAKOV (who had already staged ‘Eugene Onegin’ at the Bolshoi Theatre, ‘Life for the Tsar’ at the Mariincki Theatre and ‘Khovanshchina’ at the Bavarian Opera). Dmitry Malikov also invited ‘Musica Viva’ – an academic chamber orchestra, other talented musicians, dancers and television directors. Together they managed to create a series of real music fairy shows during PIANOMANIЯ solo concerts at the Moscow Operetta Theater in April 2007.

During PIANOMANIЯ concerts Dmitry Malikov’s solo piano performance is combined with modern electronic music and ethnic tunes. The deep voluminous sound of magnificent orchestrations fills the concert hall with sparkling energy and virtuoso piano passages create a romantic atmosphere. “A night in Madrid”, “The Altai”, ‘The Dolphins”, “Stephanie”, “Lola”, “Encore, encore” – Dmitry Malikov’s own compositions enjoy no less popularity than his modern adaptations of such well-known songs and classical pieces as “Knights’ Dance” by Sergey Prokofiev, “To Tikhoretskaya’ by Mikael Tariverdiev,  “Dancing Queen” by ABBA to name but a few. The musical performance is accompanied with concordant video installations projected on the huge screens. One can see the pirouettes of the first flying machines, the fascinated dances of the dolphins, the frantic city traffic and the limitless expanses of the Kazakh steppes…The rhythmical pattern is set alternatively by the fiery Irish jig and by flamenco. The sounds of authentic ethnical instruments underline the national colouring of the music. By his creative work Dmitry declares that modern instrumental music presents unlimited opportunities.  Dmitry’s performance can equally consist of one single striking virtuoso turn or of a show marathon. The secret of PIANOMANIЯ’s success is its flexibility and originality, and due to these two qualities the show can be rightly called unique.

Instrumental music composed by Dmitry Malikov is a unique phenomenon in the context of Russia’s musical life. As a singer, he has managed to win tremendous popularity with millions of fans. He has been on stage for over 20 years, written over a hundred songs, many of them becoming hits, and won the most prestigious music awards, including the international ‘World Music Award” and the popular Russian “Golden Gramophone”.

However, Dmitry, who graduated from the Moscow Conservatory Piano Department with an honorary degree, is unwilling to stay within the limits of the song genre. His youthful ‘restlessness’ does not let him “retire on his laurels” and urges him to carry on his creative quest. Dmitry Malikov successfully released two instrumental music albums. His cult album “Fear of Flying” has been already reissued twice and the “Universal Music” Company released his piano album “Game”. In 2007 Dmitry released his third instrumental music album giving it the name of his latest project – PIANOMANIЯ.

Dmitry’s academic music education, his longstanding stage experience and popularity give him unique creative opportunities.  He has long found his key to the hearts of the audience and knows how to strike the right cord to make the public share his feelings and dreams. Dmitry Malikov is often invited to perform instrumental music on the best Russian concert venues. He has performed with the Vladimir Spivakov’s “Moscow Virtuosi” chamber orchestra and Yury Bashmet’s  “Moscow Soloists’ ensemble. His music can be heard in the popular programs of the Federal TV channels and in the 1^st National Channel documentaries about our outstanding fellow-countrymen Vladimir Putin and Kostya Tzu. In February 2007 his concert of instrumental music PIANOMANIЯ was successfully shown on the NTV channel and received a high audience rating. His further plans include work on bigger music pieces and writing soundtracks in cooperation with leading film and stage directors.

The international language of music eliminates all distinctions and borders between generations and nations. The project engages musicians of different nations and religions. Very often ethnical conflicts break people apart, whereas music becomes a universal language available and understandable to lots of people. A successful launch of the project in Russia will be followed by its presentation in Europe and in Asia.

Dmitry Malikov engages original artists and world-famed musicians to realize his cultural initiative. Each of them gives a new dimension to PIANOMANIЯ project. Says Dmitry Malikov: “Now, we’re trying to find non-conventional forms to ensure further development of PIANOMANIЯ project. Any type of performance is possible because instrumental music can sound in a variety of forms. It can be a live concert in a famous hall, say in the House of Music, or it can be a gala lightshow on the bank of the River Moskva. On the other hand, we can as well perform in a small auditorium. In other words, we can perform on any stage by adjusting the number of the participants to its size.” Actually, this musical project can be realized in any existing forms – Internet link-ups, chamber concerts, jam sessions in big concert venues and television studios – you name it!

PIANOMANIЯ is more than just music! It’s a real cultural initiative with a great potential, which is aimed at instilling in teenagers a taste for good music, developing the best Russian traditions of philharmonic concerts and contributing to the spiritual revival of our country. In 2007, PIANOMANIЯ was officially given the status of a socially significant project by the Moscow Government Advertising and Information Committee. “I have set myself the task of making more people familiar with the music written by the classical composers and also with my own instrumental music. Modern music is not limited to the song form, which is not adequate for bringing up serious social issues. My popularity enables me to declare it at rather a high level,” – says Dmitry. Within the framework of PIANOMANIЯ project Dmitry Malikov runs a charity programme aimed at rendering sponsoring and promoting musically gifted children. Feeling the spirit of our time, Dmitry Malikov, being at the same time a composer and a producer, touches on the problems that have never left the public indifferent. LOVE, KINDNESS and MERCY have always been at the basis of Russia’s spirituality, and the talented Russian musician has always shared these spiritual values.