Boris Berezovsky needs no introduction. His name epitomizes virtuosity and dexterity. Regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the world of piano, his fame transcends border—and for good reasons. Despite his undisputed musical skills, his recent political stances have sparked fierce controversy, and he became persona non grata in Europe. During his tenth performance in Lebanon on Tuesday, March 5th, as part of the thirtieth music season of the al-Bustan festival, the Russian virtuoso delivered a stellar performance, paying admirable tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) and Frederic Chopin (1810-1849), while proudly showcasing his Russian roots through musical pieces by Mily Balakirev (1837-1910), Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) and Sergei Lyapunov (1859-1924).
During an exclusive interview with This Is Beirut, Boris Berezovsky shared his enthusiasm about his return to the Land of the Cedars. During this sit-down, he addressed the controversy sparked by his remarks concerning the Ukrainian conflict, firmly reaffirming his commitment to the fundamental principle of freedom of speech. Simultaneously, he expressed his surprise and disappointment with a democracy that, in his view, leans towards myth rather than reality. Finally, the pianist reaffirmed his positions, emphasizing that he has no regrets about the statements he made in May 2022.
