Violinist Sergej Krylov starts his first Australian tour with a monumental reputation, including high praise from Rostropovich and a swag of rave reviews. Pianist Konstantin Shamray also has a stellar record, starting with his award-winning Australian debut at the Sydney International Piano Competition.

The concert opens with Krylov alone on a balcony. He raises his bow theatrically and then strokes the strings to produce a searingly beautiful long note: the opening bar of  the Adagio from Bach’s first violin sonata. This is not on the program, but it is an inspired choice, revealing Krylov’s musicality and the rich tones of the Stadivarius “Camposelice” violin.

Sergej Krylov and Konstantin Shamray, Toorak Synagogue, Melbourne. Photo © Jonathan Dupaquier-Green 

The first advertised work on the program is Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, dedicated to the Spanish virtuoso, Pablo de Sarasate. Krylov enlists his formidable technique to convey the flair and vivacity of this Spanish-flavoured vignette. He plays by memory and stands just behind Shamray, his gaze directed across the grand piano. They are well matched, playing with the same extreme focus and eschewing extraneous gestures.

The strength...