Various Composers - Reverse Directions (Dana Zemtsov)

Information

• Gyula Dávid - Concerto for Viola and Orchestra
• Fazil Say - Rusen Güneş Anisina
• Bohuslav Martinů - Rhapsody-Concerto, H. 337
• Francisco Tárrega - Recuerdos de la Alhambra (arr. Michael Kugel)

Dana Zemtsov, viola

Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen

Modestas Pitrėnas, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Channel Classics

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On Reverse Directions, violist Dana Zemtsov joins conductor Modestas Pitrenas and the Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen to explore the interconnected themes of movement and belonging. Reflecting Zemtsov’s own Mexican-born, European-raised heritage, an artistic identity forged in the dialogue between continents, the program examines physical, cultural, and inward journeys. The recording pairs Gyula Dávid’s folk-infused Viola Concerto with Bohuslav Martinů’s poignant Rhapsody-Concerto, written in exile and steeped in nostalgia. Completing this cross-cultural reflection are two evocative works for solo viola: Fazıl Say’s expressive Viola Sonata and an intimate transcription of Francisco Tárrega’s classic Recuerdos de la Alhambra.

Born in Mexico City in 1992 and raised in the Netherlands, violist Dana Zemtsov is internationally recognized as one of the most distinctive soloists of her generation. Descended from a multi-generational musical family, she has earned numerous competition prizes, including the prestigious Dutch Kersjes Prize, and performs regularly at premier venues such as Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw, Carnegie Hall, and Mexico City's Palacio de Bellas Artes. An acclaimed soloist and chamber musician alongside artists like Janine Jansen and Martin Fröst, Zemtsov continually expands the viola repertoire through her seven critically acclaimed albums, including Yellow Butterflies (2025)—and upcoming orchestral recordings of works by Dávid, Say, and Martinů.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz