Draft:Kirill Richter


Kirill Richter (born 7 December 1989) is a Paris-based composer and pianist associated with a style often characterised as expressive minimalism. His compositions have garnered recognition in the contemporary neoclassical scene.[1][2][3] His work spans opera, ballet, and cinema, with collaborations across disciplines from couture houses to Olympic figure skaters. His music reflects influences from science, design, and music, combining structural and expressive elements. Notable works include operas such as Tamerlano and ballets like Seven Ages. He has performed at venues including the Berliner Philharmonie, Royal Albert Hall, and Elbphilharmonie.[4][5][6]

Early life and education

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Richter was born in Russia in December 1989. He began formal piano studies relatively late, initially regarding music as a hobby.[1] He studied at Moscow's National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from the University of Hertfordshire in London.[1][7] Richter dedicated himself fully to music in 2016, founding the Richter Trio with violinist Alena Zinovieva and cellist Avgust Krepak.

Career  

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Richter's debut album, Chronos (2019), explores philosophical reflections on time.[1][2] Since founding the Richter Trio in 2016, he has performed widely, including at the Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg), Royal Albert Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, and UNESCO Headquarters.[5][4]

Major works and performances

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Albums

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  • Chronos (2019)[8]
  • Towards the Beloved City (2025)[9]

Compositions

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  • The Faith of Our Fathers (2017) — an orchestral suite on historical memory and peace.[1]
  • Where Angels Fear to Tread (2018) — used by Fox Sports for 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage but not the official FIFA theme.[1][10]
  • Requiem (2019) — honoring GULAG victims and Richter's ancestor, premiered at Switzerland's Origen Festival.[11][12]
  • Babylon Songs (2023) — vocal cycle in multiple languages premiered in Switzerland.[11]
  • The Sands of Time (2023/24) — symphonic fantasy premiered at the Berliner Philharmonie and London Coliseum, noted for rich orchestration and emotional depth.[2][3][13][14]
  • 1524 (2024) — commissioned for the 500th anniversary of Graubünden Canton.[11][15]
  • Tamerlano (2024) — Handel's opera reimagined with Richter's compositions; staged in Tashkent.[16]

Ballet compositions

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  • Rasputin (2019) — ballet with choreography by Yuka Oishi, premiered at the Palladium, London.[17][18][19]
  • Red Riding Hood (2019) — ballet with choreography by Freddie Ross Ray, premiered at Zaryadye Hall, Moscow.[20][21]
  • Seven Ages (2023) — full ballet inspired by Shakespeare's As You Like It, choreographed by Marco Goecke.[20][16]

Film and television compositions

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Artistic style and reception

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Richter's style blends minimalist techniques with cinematic and melodic writing, often described as expressive minimalism. His background in science and design is also often acknowledged as informing for both the thematic and structural qualities of his compositions.[25][26][27] Critics have described his music as "taut" and "affecting," balancing lyrical repose with dramatic momentum.[15]

Kirill Richter was awarded with:

  • Cosmopolitan Man Award (2020) — Laureate in the category of Music and Art.[28]
  • Bravo Music Award (2021) — Laureate in the category of Contemporary Instrumental Music.[28]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Kirill Richter talks upcoming epic concert 'The Sands of Time': "It's vital to make music that reflects people's lives"". First Night Magazine. 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  2. ^ a b c Sarah (2024-09-11). "Kirill Richter 'The Sands of Time'". londonbornandbred. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  3. ^ a b "Zum Erinnern und Innehalten – Kirill Richters "In Memoriam" - Project XII". Deutsche Grammophon (in German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  4. ^ a b "Do, 6.2.2025 19:30 Uhr Kirill Richter Trio". www.elbphilharmonie.de (in German). 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  5. ^ a b "Kirill Richter". YouTube. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  6. ^ thespyinthestalls (2024-09-12). "thespyinthestalls review KIRILL RICHTER - THE SANDS OF TIME". thespyinthestalls.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  7. ^ Omaweng, Chris (2024-09-12). "Kirill Richter: The Sands of Time – London Coliseum | Review". LondonTheatre1. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  8. ^ "Zum Erinnern und Innehalten – Kirill Richters "In Memoriam" - Project XII". Deutsche Grammophon (in German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  9. ^ "Towards the Beloved City | Warner Classics". www.warnerclassics.com (in German). 2025-11-28. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  10. ^ Admin, Sam- (2024-09-13). "https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-kirill-richter-the-sands-of-time-london-coliseum". All That Dazzles. Retrieved 2025-09-30. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  11. ^ a b c "Kirill Richter - (Russia) - WOMEX". www.womex.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  12. ^ Huber, Jürg Abdias (2019-10-12). "Russischer Jung-Komponist lässt Julierturm erbeben | Südostschweiz". www.suedostschweiz.ch (in Swiss High German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  13. ^ ""The Sands of Time" Kirill Richter Philharmonie Berlin, 01.05.23". BA Management GmbH (in German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  14. ^ "KIRILL RICHTER: THE SANDS OF TIME at London Coliseum 11 Sept". Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  15. ^ a b "Origen / Freilichttheater zu 500 Jahre Freistaat Drei Bünde". Savognin (in German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  16. ^ a b "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  17. ^ Crompton, Sarah (2019-06-09). "Sergei Polunin/Rasputin; Royal Ballet; San Francisco Ballet; Kalakuta Republik – review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  18. ^ "Theatre review: Sergei Polunin: Rasputin from Polunin Ink at London Palladium". British Theatre Guide. 2019-05-31. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  19. ^ "The eyes have it! Sergei Polunin mesmerises Moscow once more as Rasputin – Seen and Heard International". seenandheard-international.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  20. ^ a b "The Uzbekistan Pavilion Garden of Knowledge". expo2025uzbekistan.uz. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  21. ^ "Cappuccetto Rosso Little Red Riding Hood & The Wolf – Opera & Ballet at Home in Streaming BLoggione.cOM". bloggione.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  22. ^ "Jumpman (2018) | Film, Trailer, Kritik". www.kino-zeit.de (in German). Archived from the original on 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  23. ^ "Anna Melikyan | Produktion, Regie, Drehbuch". IMDb (in German). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  24. ^ Davidson, Douglas (2021-09-24). "A riveting thriller from start to finish comes down to "The Execution." [Fantastic Fest]". Elements of Madness. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  25. ^ "Кирилл Рихтер_". soundup.world (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  26. ^ "Das Leben ist kein langer, ruhiger Fluss". www.tanznetz.de (in German). 2024-05-22. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  27. ^ "Kirill Richter: Towards the Beloved City | Southbank Centre". Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  28. ^ a b "Kirill Richter & Richter Trio: Sands of Time | London Coliseum". London Theatre Tickets. Retrieved 2025-09-30.