"Coup de coeur Breguet" CD

István Várdai, First Prize in the Cello Competition in 2008 has registered his first lbum with L'OCG in summer 2009. The CD is available in records stores since the fall 2009.

István Várdai's CD brings together three works of the fisrt half of the twentieth century which are particularly fine showcases for the effusive lyricism of the cello. Two of them are among the key pieces in the instrument's repertoire. Prokofiev's Sonata op.119 (1949) soon became one of the works most frequently played in recitals with piano. Revealed to an international public by Jacqueline du Pré some forty years after its premiere, Elgar's Concerto op.85 (1919) has become a favourite of cellists for its rare balance between virtuosity and depth of expression. Although less well-known, Janácek's Pohádka (1910) is no less of a masterpiece, whose admittedly less overt lyricism proves to be just as intense.

Edward Elgar (1857-1934) - Cello Concerto op.85
Leos Janácek (1854-1928) - Pohádka (The Tale / Le Conte)
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) - Cello Sonata op.119

L'Orchestre de Chambre de Genève, conducted by Simon Gaudenz
Piano : Balász Fülei

"Lyricism, intensity, sensibility are the ingredients of István Várdai's music-making. There can be no doubt that here is a major new representative of the Hungarian school of cello playing epitomised in today's concert life by Miklós Perényi." Miguel da Silva

With this CD, The Geneva Music Competition begins its partnership with NASCOR, label of Ysaÿe Records. NASCOR is the collection of emerging talents who may become the future artistic references.

Polina Pasztircsák, 1st Prize in the Voice Competition this year, won the 2009 "Coup de Coeur Breguet" CD Prize. She will register her CD with NASCOR in spring 2010.