Camille Saint-Saëns - Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 5 (Simon Trpčeski)

Information

Composer: Camille Saint-Saëns

• Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22
• Piano Concerto No. 5 in F Major, Op. 103 "The Egyptian"

Simon Trpčeski, piano

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Thomas Søndergård, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Linn Records

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Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski continues his acclaimed concerto series on Linn Records with a live performance of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 5, recorded at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with Thomas Søndergård and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Second Concerto, composed and rehearsed in just seventeen days for its premiere under Anton Rubinstein, is a masterclass in structural balance that pays homage to Bach and Fauré. In contrast, the virtuosic Fifth Concerto ("The Egyptian") served as Saint-Saëns' vibrant alternative to Wagnerian influence, incorporating Middle Eastern motifs, Nile boatmen songs, and evocative orchestral textures into a dazzling showcase for soloist and ensemble alike.

Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski (b. 1979) is celebrated globally for his extraordinary virtuosity, expressive depth, and charismatic presence. Trained in Skopje under Boris Romanov and launched internationally as a BBC New Generation Artist, he has performed with over a hundred major orchestras alongside the world's most distinguished conductors. Marking his 25th career anniversary in the 2025–2026 season, Trpčeski maintains an active international schedule of orchestral appearances, recitals, and acclaimed recordings—including landmark releases of Rachmaninov, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns. A passionate cultural ambassador, he advocates for Macedonian heritage through his folk-fusion project MAKEDONISSIMO and youth mentorship, earning him the title of Macedonia’s first National Artist.