As we celebrate 50 years of the Fêtes Musicales in Touraine, pianist Nicolai Lugansky opens the festival with performances of the works of Chopin, Franck, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev. It is a program in which Nicolai Lugansky, a pianist of extraordinary profundity, displays his virtuosity, his depth of interpretation and the sensitivity of his playing in the service of these works. "He is able to highlight the lyrical and poetic aspects of the music in a performance that is spontaneous and of impressive power." A regular figure at the great festivals, including the Grange of Meslay,where he has been appearing since 2004, the Russian pianist also plays frequently with the most outstanding orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra. At this opening concert Nicolai Lugansky was especially brilliant and equal to the occasion.