Two Virtuosos, Four Hands. Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy

The Portico of Ards will witness something truly special as two of today's most celebrated pianists, Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy, unite for an intimate four-hand performance that promises to be nothing short of magical.

Pavel Kolesnikov, the Siberian-born sensation who captured the world's attention by winning the largest piano prize at the Honens International Piano Competition, brings his legendary interpretive depth to our stage. Known for his "intensely personal interpretations, often daring in their originality," Kolesnikov has earned five-star acclaim from The Telegraph and graced the world's most prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to Berlin's Konzerthaus. His imaginative programming consistently offers audiences fresh perspectives on beloved repertoire.

Joining him is the equally remarkable Samson Tsoy, a Kazakhstan-born virtuoso whose recent season has seen him perform everywhere from the London Philharmonic Orchestra to the Münchener Kammerorchester. As the first classical musician ever to open the Munich Security Conference before world leaders, Tsoy brings both artistic excellence and a unique global perspective to his performances.

Together, this dynamic duo has already conquered major international stages, making their debuts at Carnegie Hall and Berlin Konzerthaus in 2025. Their collaboration extends beyond the concert hall—they co-founded the innovative Ragged Music Festival, demonstrating their commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences and unexpected spaces.

In the intimate setting of the Portico of Ards, witness the rare alchemy that occurs when two master musicians share a single instrument. Their four-hand repertoire promises the kind of musical conversation that only comes from artists of the highest caliber—where technical brilliance meets profound artistic understanding, creating moments of pure transcendence.

This is chamber music at its most exquisite: two extraordinary talents, one piano, and a Sunday afternoon that will linger in memory long after the final notes fade.