The performance in Bangkok was led by Russian piano maestro Denis Matsuev -- the People's Artist of the Russian Federation -- with six compatriot virtuoso instrumentalists and conductor Yuri Tkachenko -- an Honoured Artist of Russia. Two days later, four pieces from the Russian Seasons concert were repeated at the Sala Bhirombhakdi bandstand in Lumpini Park, at the RBSO's final Concert In The Park, which has certainly been a record-breaking season in terms of attendance. Russian Seasons first appeared more than 100 years ago in 1908 when the famous impresario Sergei Diaghilev organised performances of Russian opera and ballet stars in Europe and America, alongside fine arts exhibitions. Improvisations on themes from Grieg's Peer Gynt introduced the Russian ensemble to the audience and set the aesthetic tone for the evening. Khachaturian's iconic Sabre Dance introduced Ekaterina Mochalova to the stage, dazzling the audience with the traditional three-stringed, plucked Russian folk instrument, the Domra.
