Are you pleased to return to Australia after your last tour in 2015? 

Yes! In 2015, it was a truly unforgettable trip. I played in Brisbane with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, a marvellous ensemble, and had a mini residency there. I also performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and gave recitals in Adelaide and Perth. We had some downtime during that trip, and it felt like time spent with family.

Maxim Vengerov and Polina Osetinskaya at Carnegie Hall. Photo © Fadi Kheir.

When did you first meet and perform with pianist Polina Osetinskaya?

I met Polina back in Russia when I was nine years old, and she was eight. Our paths crossed in Saint Petersburg, but we didn’t play together. However, we did share the stage with the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic. In 2016, a good friend of mine and hers brought us together again. Polina is a fabulous musical soul, and when I play with her, we experience great harmony and unity on stage.

What music have you programmed for this tour?