Categorie: Mikhail Zemtsov News

Music Web, November 2025

“…It is a most accomplished performance of the thirty-minute work, capturing the Waldmusik aspect of the piece well and not lingering on the grief as much as some other versions. The sound is nicely balanced with space around it and the three players can all be heard clearly in their parts without any smudging. […] Zemtsov and Rowland match each other’s timbre wonderfully as they play in octaves one moment and harmonise the next…”

Fanfare Magazine, Jerry Dubins

“…Zemtsov easily makes the list a round handful. From his unnamed viola, Zemtsov draws a rich, “reedy” sound which strikes a similar tonal profile to the clarinet for which they were originally written. These are thoughtful, loving, and deeply moving performances, mindful of the swan songs they are from the last three years of Brahms’s life.

While violinist Daniel Rowland has an important role to play in the Horn Trio, and does so with the ardor this much earlier work in the composer’s canon, pianist Hanna Shybayeva also deserves special mention for the tonal luster of her touch and the agility of her technique. This should make a fine addition to anyone’s collection…”

Luister Magazine, ratings 9/10

“..Both in the passionate performance of the Horn Trio and in the warm-blooded rendition of the two Viola Sonatas, everything revolves around intimacy, tonal beauty, and inspiration. But every now and then a storm breaks out, and Brahms’ turbulent temperament gives the listener goosebumps…” WENNEKE SAVENIJE

Classic Voice

“…In the first case, the switch from horn to viola softens the timbral contrast in the dialogue with the violin; in the hands of a highly elegant Daniel Rowland, in some respects even the two sonatas acquire a more canonical character.[…] Zemtsov chose, in his preliminary study, to start with the original instrument, engaging with performers and recordings specific to it in order to absorb its expressiveness…”—Paolo Locatelli

Ritmo, 5 Stars

“..Mikhail Zemtsov, a solid performer, demonstrates a broad and expressive sound, delicate yet full of presence and depth. […] His chamber music sensitivity allows for perfect dialogue with fellow performers, whether violin or piano, showing an exemplary balance between technique, expression, and musicality…” Paulino Toribio

“…He has a warm, velvety tone and is not afraid to let his partner play out when appropriate. I enjoy assertive pianists in the sonata repertoire because the piano is supposed to be an equal partner, not a mere accompanist. I would say that Zemtsov is a fine violist and that these are some of the better recordings of the sonatas that I have heard. Daniel Rowland and Hanna Shybayeva are excellent musicians…” American Record Guide October 2025

The first wonderful review is in, for Mikhail Zemtsov’s new Brahms album:

“The viola rarely gets the chance to be the center of attention, but it proves to be perfectly suited as a protagonist in Brahms’ chamber music. […] Zemtsov shows that the viola deserves more than just middle parts and bearded melodies” 4 stars

Since many years, Mikhail Zemtsov puts a lot of energy in the development of young musician’s muscial education. He conducted his Young Talent Orchestra at Festival Klassiek aan het Amstelveld, in the final concert of the Festival 2025, for an enthusiastic audience. Some of the quotes from the audience are:

“…It was an emotional furore!..”

“…I saw people with eyes full of tears during Rachmaninov…’

“…The orchestra is very professional…”

“…Closing concert of the festival was simply fenomenal!…”

Mikhail Zemtsov ’s new album is the first volume with complete works for viola. With Daniel Rowland (violin) and Hanna Shybayeva (piano).

On 9 and 12 June 2024, Mikhail Zemtsov conducted two concerts in Mississippi, USA:

The Master Camerata Orchestra at the Festival South Summer concert series.

After that he went to Canada for a tour with Utrecht String Quartet (see news at Utrecht String Quartet).

In July he and his wife Julia Dinerstein travelled to Israël, where they gave masterclasses for a week,  for the refugees children of Northern Israël.

Mikhail Zemtsov on tour with Utrecht String Quartet and Alfredo Oyaguez in Netherlands, with a Spanish/

South American programme, sponsored by the Spanish Embassy in The Netherlands.

Listen and watch this live stream of the Russian Musical Weekend The Darkest Place:

Live Stream performance with Dana Zemtsov in Bethlehemkerk,Amsterdam op 26/6 om 19:00
Works by Bridge, Ernst, Kugel a.o.: