Sergei Prokofiev - Sinfonia Concertante; Cinderella Suites (Michał Balas; Chuhei Iwasaki)

Information

Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

• Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 125
• Cinderella Suites, Opp. 107–109 (Excerpts)

Michał Balas, cello

Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra

Chuhei Iwasaki, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Berlin Classics

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In Prokofiev, Michal Balas honors the dynamic and multifaceted music of Sergei Prokofiev. Showcasing expressive power, lyrical nuance, and rhythmic vitality, the album features the dramatic Sinfonia Concertante for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 125, alongside the colorful Cinderella Suites Nos. 1–3 (Op. 107–109). Balas is supported by the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra under Chuhei Iwasaki, whose sensitive and powerful accompaniment frames the soloist’s virtuosic and expressive performance, highlighting Prokofiev’s distinctive musical language.

Michał Balas, born in 2001 in Cracow, is a rising star in the international classical music scene. Currently pursuing a Master’s at the Musik Akademie Basel under Prof. Danjulo Ishizaka, he has performed in major venues including the Berlin Philharmonic, Herkulessaal Munich, Mozarteum Salzburg, and Warsaw National Philharmonic. A prizewinner of multiple international competitions—including the Classic Strings Competition in Dubai (2022) and Johansen International Competition in Washington D.C. (2018)—he has been recognized as a “Classic FM 30 under 30 Rising Star” and Polish Cello Personality 2021. Active in chamber music, he collaborates widely and plays a 1718 Carlo Antonio Testore cello.