On September 23, world-famous flutist Denis Bouriakov and the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra give a concert at the Budapest Music Center. Read the exclusive interview with the soloist!

“Is it the First time you perform in Hungary ? If Yes, what are your expectations from playing with Franz Liszt Orchestra?

Technically, this is not my first performance in Hungary. I came once as a child to perform with a group of musically talented kids through the “New Names” foundation in the mid-1990s. However, this is the first time I am performing in Hungary as a grown-up professional. Since I grew up listening to Jean-Pierre Rampal's recordings, many of which were recorded with the Franz Liszt Orchestra, the sound of the group is familiar to me. I have also listened to more recent performances, and they sound like a very fine ensemble with a lot to say musically. I am very much looking forward to playing together with them!

“ You are the creator of numerous transcriptions for flute. How does making transcriptions inspire your professional life?  “

In its modern form, the flute is a relatively young instrument compared to string instruments. Metal flutes have only existed since 1847! As a result, we don't have a wide repertoire that would utilize the full potential of the instrument. We have a few great baroque and classical works, a lot of 20th century music, but there isn't as much repertoire from the romantic period. The Reinecke concerto is pretty much the best romantic concerto we have. This has prompted me to transcribe more repertoire. I love playing Sibelius, Saint-Saens and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, as we simply don’t have anything of that calibre in the original flute repertoire. Saint-Saens' Introduction and Rondo Cappricioso, which we will be performing at the end of the concert with the Franz Liszt Orchestra, was in fact one of my very first transcriptions. I think it sounds really brilliant and natural on the flute, and brings out a slightly different character compared to the violin. Making transcriptions like this helped me grow as a musician. Interpreting these big violin pieces requires a lot more than most flute repertoire in terms of intellect, emotion, and technique. I think it helped me develop a better control of the instrument, which I then applied to the flute repertoire as well. 

“ You are also having masterclasses. Why is it important for you to share your knowledge with colleagues and the young people?”

I consider teaching to be one of the most important aspects of being an artist. It is true that certain things can only be understood and felt with time and experience, but I believe having an inspiring teacher from an early age can open up a world of possibilities. My mind was blown countless times while studying with William Bennett in London. Things he was saying were pretty obvious to him and even routine, but I found them completely eye-opening. Being a student and discovering new information and feelings was an exciting experience. We are always learning, and we become our own main teachers as we age. I enjoy teaching and passing on the knowledge I've acquired over the past 30 years of playing the flute. Helping someone to sound better and improve is a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the student. The local tendencies and "fashion" that each country has also fascinates me when teaching masterclasses around the world. And in Hungary you have many stellar flute players, I remember there would always be a Hungarian player in the finals of every competition when I was competing. So I am very excited to hear the young talent of the 21st century in Budapest!

Further information about the concert HERE.