Tribute concert - Alexandre Zapolski
A unique evening at The Black Diamond, where internationally renowned artists, former students and family members come together to celebrate the music and legacy of Alexandre Zapolski.
Programme
The programme brings together some of the most beautiful and beloved works from the classical repertoire alongside compositions and arrangements by Alexandre Zapolski. The evening will also feature musical encounters across generations, ensembles and former students.
On 28 November 2026, the Queen's Hall at the Black Diamond will provide the setting for a remarkable musical event, as internationally acclaimed musicians, former students, family members and close colleagues gather for a major tribute concert celebrating the life and work of the violinist, composer, arranger and music educator Alexandre Zapolski (1951–2025).
The stage will be filled with an exceptional line-up of musicians from the Danish and international classical music scene - from established world stars to young talents on the path to international careers. The audience will have the opportunity to experience Anna Agafia Egholm, Alva Holm, Andrias Blaasvær, Denis Kozhukhin, Vera Panitch, Vasilisa Koroleva, Jonathan Swensen, Tanja Zapolski and the chamber ensembles Absalon String Quartet (Andreas Lienhøft Larsen, Alba Rasmussen, Thera Maya Brask Ørsted and Hedda Lydianna Aadland), Stefan Cholakov, Trio Grande (Ellen Bruunsbjerg, Leonore Solak, Julia Pamina Smit and Simon Gad), Trio Zoom (Stefan Bauer, Johan Bridger and Tanja Zapolski) and Zapolski Piano Quintet (Alana Hjort, Anoushka Avila Ingemann, Valdemar Wenzel Most, Julia Pamina Smit and Selma Teilmann). In addition, Danish String Quartet and Novo Quartet will contribute filmed musical tributes.
Many of the performers trace their musical roots directly to Alexandre Zapolski's teaching and artistic environment, making the evening a shared story of a musical heritage that continues to thrive.
The Legacy of Alexandre Zapolski
For several decades, Alexandre Zapolski left a unique mark on Danish musical life. As a teacher, composer, arranger and artistic driving force, he shaped generations of string players and created a musical environment in which sound, discipline, community and a love of music were central values. His work with Zapolski Strings and Zapolski Sprouts played a vital role in nurturing the next generation of classical musicians in Denmark, and many of his former students now perform on major stages both in Denmark and internationally.
The Black Diamond holds a special place in Alexandre Zapolski's story. For many years, Zapolski Quartet was ensemble-in-residence at The Black Diamond, where it established its Winter Festival. His daughter, the pianist Tanja Zapolski, also gave her debut concert in the Queen's Hall. This evening, the music returns to a venue that was closely connected to the Zapolski family for many years.
The programme includes works by Alexandre Zapolski himself, as well as musical tributes from artists connected to his life and work in different ways.
The evening will be hosted by journalist and international affairs analyst Frederikke Ingemann.
The concert will be a vibrant and magnificent celebration of Alexandre Zapolski's musical legacy and a rare opportunity to experience some of today's finest musicians gathered for one deeply personal and significant event.
