Lisa Batiashvili performs the Finnish and UK premieres of Hillborg’s Violin Concerto No.2 this month, after giving the world premiere in October 2016. Lisa will present the Finnish premiere on 24 November at the Helsinki Music Centre with Hannu Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the UK premiere shortly after, on the 29 November in London’s Barbican Centre with Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The concerto, which was co-commissioned by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, was written specially for Lisa Batiashvili who commented “Hillborg is such a fascinating composer who writes genuinely good music. He knows how to create melodies that stay in the memory. I’m looking forward to performing this wonderful, rich piece again.”

Lisa Batiashvili is praised by audiences and fellow musicians for her virtuosity and profound sensitivity. Her performance of the concerto’s world premiere has been described as ‘virtuosic – unbelievably exciting’ (Leipziger Volkszeitung) and ‘absolutely phenomenal… she is completely at one with the music’ (Expressen).

The performances will be broadcast on YLE and ARTE websites (24 November) and on BBC Radio 3 (29 November).