Hyldestkoncert for Alexandre Zapolski

An exceptional evening in Diamanten, where world-renowned musicians, former students and family gather to celebrate the music and legacy of Alexandre Zapolski.

On 28 November 2026, Dronningesalen in Den Sorte Diamant will host an extraordinary musical event as world-renowned musicians, former students, family and close colleagues come together for a major tribute concert to the violinist, composer, arranger and music educator Alexandre Zapolski (1951-2025).

The stage will bring together a rare gathering of musicians from the Danish and international classical music scene – from established international stars to young talents embarking on international careers. This evening, audiences can hear Anna Agafia Egholm, Alva Holm, Andrias Blaasvær, Denis Kozhukhin, Vera Panitch, Vasilisa Koroleva, Jonathan Swensen, Tanja Zapolski and the chamber ensembles Absalon Strygekvartet (Andreas Lienhøft Larsen, Alba Rasmussen, Thera Maya Brask Ørsted, Hedda Lydianna Aadland), Stefan Cholakov, Trio Grande (Ellen Bruunsbjerg, Leonore Solak, Julia Pamina Smit, 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, Selma Teilmann). Den Danske Strygekvartet and Novo Quartet will also contribute filmed musical tributes.

Many of the performers have their musical roots directly in Alexandre Zapolski's teaching and the musical community he created. This makes the evening a shared story of a musical heritage that continues to thrive.

Over several decades, Alexandre Zapolski left an exceptional mark on musical life in Denmark. As a teacher, composer, arranger and artistic force, he shaped generations of string players and created a musical environment centred on tone, discipline, community and a love of music. His work with Zapolski Strygerne and Zapolski Spirerne played a crucial role in nurturing classical music talent in Denmark, and many of his former students now perform on major stages both in Denmark and abroad.

Diamanten holds a special place in Alexandre Zapolski's story. Zapolski Kvartetten was the ensemble in residence at Den Sorte Diamant for many years and established their Winther Festival here. His daughter, the pianist Tanja Zapolski, also gave her debut concert in the hall. This evening therefore brings the music back to a space that was closely connected with the Zapolski family for many years.

The evening features both music by Alexandre Zapolski himself and musical tributes from artists connected in various ways with his life and work.

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 hear some of today's finest musicians brought together in one deeply personal and meaningful concert.

Date: Saturday 28 November 2026

Time: 16.00

Venue: Dronningesalen, Den Sorte Diamant

Duration: Approximately 140 minutes including an interval

Interval: 20 minutes

Ticket price: Standard: DKK 250 / students, unemployed people and young people under 25: DKK 150 / young people under 18: DKK 100 (excluding fees) FREE for everyone from Zapolski Strygerne. Enter the discount code: zap Any surplus from the concert will go to Zapolski Legatet, which will support the development of young musicians and carry on Alexandre Zapolski's musical legacy.

Programme: The programme brings together some of the most beautiful and best-loved works from the classical repertoire alongside compositions and arrangements by Alexandre Zapolski. The evening will also feature musical collaborations across generations, ensembles and former students.