opera and oratorio
Poets
is a 70-minute oratorio that presents a haunting montage of poetry and letters by Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, interwoven with Catholic prayers. The work unfolds through the memories of an aging Siegfried Sassoon, reflecting on his intense friendship with Owen at Craiglockhart War Hospital in 1917—a relationship that, according to historical sources, may have had romantic undertones. Both poets were passionate opponents of war, rejecting any romanticization of it and exposing its brutal reality. The message of the oratorio is universal: it denounces the senselessness of all wars, from 1917 to today. Why do we shorten our lives through suffering? Why do we fight, when love exists in every human being?
On June 14, 2025, the oratorio Poets received its world premiere at Salon Karlsplatz in Vienna.
Michael Kraus brought profound depth to the role of the reflective Siegfried, Andrei Maksimov sang Wilfred with touching intensity, and Chelsea Guo gave the Maiden a radiant, mournful voice. Pianist Kingsley Lin accompanied with sensitivity and nuance.
The audience responded with deep silence and visible emotion, moved by the powerful fusion of poetry, prayer, and music. The performance ended with a long and heartfelt ovation.
Michael Kraus brought profound depth to the role of the reflective Siegfried, Andrei Maksimov sang Wilfred with touching intensity, and Chelsea Guo gave the Maiden a radiant, mournful voice. Pianist Kingsley Lin accompanied with sensitivity and nuance.
The audience responded with deep silence and visible emotion, moved by the powerful fusion of poetry, prayer, and music. The performance ended with a long and heartfelt ovation.
Barabbas- opera in two acts
The HKB Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Igor Andreev, performed the world premiere of the opera Barabbas as a fully staged production. The event brought together singers, dancers, actors, and instrumentalists for two nights (14th and 15th April 2023) at the Biel Volkshaus in Switzerland.
Barabbas follows the well-known story of the people's resistance against Pilate’s occupation of Jerusalem. However, when Barabbas is sentenced to death, his life is saved by another.
Preparations for the production began in December 2022, with the first musical rehearsals. Simultaneously, the concept was developed, centered around a black cloth dividing the stage as a symbol of reversible exclusion.
Barabbas follows the well-known story of the people's resistance against Pilate’s occupation of Jerusalem. However, when Barabbas is sentenced to death, his life is saved by another.
Preparations for the production began in December 2022, with the first musical rehearsals. Simultaneously, the concept was developed, centered around a black cloth dividing the stage as a symbol of reversible exclusion.
Director Mira Alkhovik further elaborates on her staging solution:
"I thought for a long time about how to render this inner conflict of national enmity in a way that would be understandable to a modern audience. That is how the concept for our production was born.
Barabbas is a story that transcends nationalities. It is about people striving to find their place in the world, seeking to express themselves in every possible way. What these individuals truly share, however, is a profound sense of loneliness. They speak of freedom and happiness, yet they remain unsure of where to find it.
In the final moments of the play, someone arrives who reveals a powerful truth: what matters most is discovering themselves—free of masks, prejudices, and preconceived attitudes.
Human life is the greatest value. We just need to learn to recognize this value in every person we encounter on our journey."
"I thought for a long time about how to render this inner conflict of national enmity in a way that would be understandable to a modern audience. That is how the concept for our production was born.
Barabbas is a story that transcends nationalities. It is about people striving to find their place in the world, seeking to express themselves in every possible way. What these individuals truly share, however, is a profound sense of loneliness. They speak of freedom and happiness, yet they remain unsure of where to find it.
In the final moments of the play, someone arrives who reveals a powerful truth: what matters most is discovering themselves—free of masks, prejudices, and preconceived attitudes.
Human life is the greatest value. We just need to learn to recognize this value in every person we encounter on our journey."
performance videos
chamber music
Catalan melodies
album, Creators Classics
A profound exploration of feminism through music, Catalan Melodies is a vocal cycle composed by Andrei Maksimov for soprano, piano, and violin. This 40-minute work, written in 2023, draws inspiration from the evocative poetry of Clementina Arderiu. With its nuanced interplay of voice and instruments, the album delves into the depths of Arderiu's feminist themes, bringing her words to life with emotional resonance and artistic clarity. Recorded in the cultural heart of Strasbourg, HEAR University, Catalan Melodies is a powerful testament to the enduring dialogue between poetry and music. Now available on Spotify.
CATALAN MELODIES
Mira Alkhovik and Christopher Flaskamp
Also featured in the concert in Salon Karsplatz was the 2023 song cycle Catalan Melodies, based on the poetry of Clementina Arderiu. Mira Alkhovik performed both soprano and violin parts with remarkable versatility and emotional depth, accompanied by Christopher Flaskamp on piano. The intimate interplay between voice, instrument, and text highlighted the lyrical strength and feminist undertones of Arderiu’s poetry. The audience responded with warmth and enthusiasm, captivated by the unique timbre and expressive clarity of the performance.
Ave Maria
The Ave Maria duet for soprano and baritone serves as the powerful conclusion to the oratorio Poets, a work dedicated to the tragedy of World War I. Unlike the traditional serene interpretations of the prayer, this Ave Maria is a dramatic and deeply emotional statement, embodying the anguish and longing of an era marked by immense suffering.
Positioned at the very end of the oratorio, it reflects the main character’s journey toward inner peace. Through the act of prayer, they reconcile with themselves, finding solace amidst the chaos of war.
Positioned at the very end of the oratorio, it reflects the main character’s journey toward inner peace. Through the act of prayer, they reconcile with themselves, finding solace amidst the chaos of war.
AVE MARIA
Andrei Maksimov and Mira Alkhovik
February, Maksimov-Pasternak.
Perf. by Mira Alkhovik and Alla Belova, spring 2022
February: the vocal cycle
Another Song of February, a vocal cycle for soprano and baritone, is based on seven poems by Boris Pasternak (1890–1960). The cycle vividly captures the haunting atmosphere of February 2022, serving as a poignant statement on the premonition of tragedy and a pervasive sense of despair—themes deeply resonant with Pasternak's timeless poetry.
The cycle premiered in Hamburg in May 2024, offering audiences a profound musical reflection on human suffering and resilience. One of its pieces, February, became part of the VOICES project at the Bern University of the Arts.
The cycle premiered in Hamburg in May 2024, offering audiences a profound musical reflection on human suffering and resilience. One of its pieces, February, became part of the VOICES project at the Bern University of the Arts.
contact
Florian Krumm krumm@badix.ch
andrei.maksimov.baritone@gmail.com
+43 664 505 5995