“Nakariakov’s Trumpet Triumphs with Camerata Ducale in Vercelli” – Review on “Musica” Magazine
Nakariakov’s Trumpet Triumphs with Camerata Ducale in Vercelli
The Viotti Festival opened to a full house at the Teatro Civico in Vercelli, with an audience packed to the rafters. Thanks to the efforts of Artistic Director Cristina Canziani, who worked extensively with local high schools, the event saw a remarkable turnout of young attendees, deserving high praise. Camerata Ducale performed with a partially renewed ensemble of 22 strings, with several members, including Guido Rimonda, engaged in Lisbon. The evening’s guest of honor was Sergei Nakariakov, the renowned trumpeter celebrated for his extraordinary technical prowess.
The concert began under the skilled leadership of Giulia Rimonda, who delivered an inspired performance of Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. The orchestra’s sensitivity and expressiveness were on full display during Samuel Barber’s iconic Adagio for Strings, capturing the audience with its delicate dynamics and emotional depth.
Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances (Suite No. 3) brought a refined neoclassical touch to the evening, showcasing the ensemble’s cohesion and the polished contributions of Rimonda and first cellist Giorgio Lucchini. Together, the orchestra delivered a performance that reaffirmed its excellence.
Sergei Nakariakov, however, was the star of the evening, presenting Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Arban’s Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s Norma. Nakariakov stunned the audience with his mastery of the soprano flugelhorn, a unique instrument modified with a fourth valve to achieve a cello-like range. His warm tone, flawless technique, and agility in rapid passages were unmatched, culminating in Arban’s Norma variations with breathtaking speed and a triple-tonguing flourish. The audience erupted in ovations.
Although calls for an encore were relentless, Nakariakov closed the evening with a brief melody on his trumpet before stepping offstage. He later mingled with the audience, signing programs and taking photos, perfectly embodying the intimate and welcoming atmosphere cultivated by the Viotti Festival.
