Wagner; Dvořák; Strauss - Vulnerable & Strong (Rebekka Susanne Bräm; Ievgeniia Iermachkova)

Information

Composer: Richard Wagner; Antonín Dvořák; Richard Strauss

• Wagner - Wesendonck-Lieder, WWV 91
• Dvořák - Zigeunermelodien, Op. 55
• Strauss - Vier Lieder, Op. 27

Rebekka Susanne Bräm, soprano

Ievgeniia Iermachkova, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Ars Produktion

_____________________

Connecting three distinct musical realms, this program brings together Richard Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder, Antonín Dvořák’s Gypsy Songs, and Richard Strauss’s Four Songs, Op. 27. Bound by themes of vulnerability, longing, and inner resilience, the recording highlights works of intense emotional expression. Swiss soprano Rebekka Susanne Bräm delivers a compelling interpretation alongside pianist Ievgeniia Iermachkova, whose evocative performance fosters an expressive dialogue between voice and piano. Together, the artists illuminate the nuanced colors and dramatic contrasts of these masterful late-Romantic cycles.

Swiss soprano Rebekka Susanne Bräm, niece of composer Thüring Bräm, is a dramatic soprano acclaimed for her expressive, warm timbre and deep emotional commitment. Following early studies at the Karlsruhe University of Music, she gained foundational stage experience at the Badisches Staatstheater and Schlossfestspiele Heidelberg, later completing advanced vocal performance studies at the Zurich University of the Arts. Between 2001 and 2020, she performed extensively at the Zurich Opera House under distinguished conductors such as Bernard Haitink and Nikolaus Harnoncourt. Now dedicated exclusively to her solo career, Bräm focuses on heavy Wagnerian roles, thematic recitals, and recordings, including her 2026 debut album vulnerable & strong on ARS Produktion.

Born in Crimea, pianist Ievgeniia Iermachkova graduated from the Ukrainian National Academy of Music before earning advanced master's degrees in professional performance and chamber music at the Folkwang University of the Arts under Hisako Kawamura and Evgeny Sinaiski. A laureate of international competitions—including first prizes at the Maria Yudina Chamber Music Competition and the "Art of XXI Century" Competition—she has performed at prestigious events such as the Ruhr Piano Festival and participated in masterclasses with renowned pedagogues like Dmitri Bashkirov and Robert D. Levin. Dedicated to musical education, Iermachkova serves as a lecturer in accompaniment at both the Anton Rubinstein International Music Academy and the Beethoven Conservatorium.