Dmitry Ishkhanov Opens the New Steinway’s Concert Life in Pardubice

On September 14, the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra opened its 58th concert season at the House of Music in Pardubice, marking a special occasion for the city’s musical life. The evening introduced a brand-new Steinway & Sons concert grand piano, acquired by the Statutory City of Pardubice for more than six million Czech crowns.

The honor of becoming the first soloist to perform on the new instrument before a concert audience was given to 21-year-old Maltese-Armenian pianist Dmitry Ishkhanov, currently a student at the Mozarteum University Salzburg.

Under the baton of Chief Conductor Vahan Mardirossian, Ishkhanov performed Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, receiving an enthusiastic response from the Pardubice audience and a standing ovation at the close of the performance.

In its review of the concert, the Czech publication Pardubický deník highlighted Ishkhanov’s confidence, virtuosity and musical sensitivity, describing his performance as a remarkable revelation. The review particularly praised his ability to navigate the work’s contrasting moods and transitions, carefully shaping its themes and maintaining a strong musical dialogue with the orchestra.

The critic also noted Ishkhanov’s attentive collaboration with Mardirossian, emphasizing the young pianist’s ability to step back when required and allow the orchestral texture to emerge, while taking full command of the music at its most demanding moments.

“He acted confidently, brilliantly and responsibly at the keyboards,” the review noted, describing his stage presence as restrained, focused and free of unnecessary theatricality.

The new Steinway itself was another central protagonist of the evening. According to the review, the instrument demonstrated a clear and transparent sound across its range, while its combination with the acoustics of the Suk Hall created a significant improvement over the hall’s previous piano.

The selection of both the instrument and the opening soloist was closely connected with Vahan Mardirossian, whose experience as both a conductor and former pianist played a role in the orchestra’s artistic decisions. His engagement with international competitions and his connection with the new generation of pianists also contributed to Ishkhanov’s invitation.

Born in Moscow to an Armenian family, Ishkhanov has established himself as one of the promising young pianists of his generation, with numerous competition successes and performances across Europe and the United States. His appearance in Pardubice added another important performance to his growing international career.

Following Schumann’s Piano Concerto, Ishkhanov returned to the stage for two short Romantic encores, further delighting the audience.

The second half of the concert featured Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral”, performed by Mardirossian and the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra. The review praised the conductor’s interpretation for its strong contrasts, dynamic energy and avoidance of superficial sentimentality, while highlighting the orchestra’s concentrated performance and, in particular, the work of its cello section.

For Ishkhanov, the evening represented a memorable milestone: he became the first pianist to introduce Pardubice’s new Steinway to its concert audience, opening both a new instrument and a new concert season with a performance that earned a warm and enthusiastic reception.

A first-class new piano, a distinguished young soloist and a major work from the orchestra’s core repertoire made the opening concert a significant beginning to the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra’s 58th season.