Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in the American orchestra’s first performance there since President Donald Trump said he was closing the performing arts venue for two years starting in July.
Abduraimov joined Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda and the orchestra at the center on Thursday night, with performances scheduled on Friday and Saturday.
The pianist delivered a “blazing” debut with the orchestra – also known by its acronym NSO – with his performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, the Washington Classical Review reported.
“The display of technical acumen and musical sensitivity measured up to the expectations set by the Uzbek pianist’s astounding performance of this concerto with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2023,” the review said. “Throughout the three movements, Noseda and his soloist seemed entirely in sync with one another, and the NSO likewise exuded confidence.”
“Proud to see Uzbek talent shine on the global stage!” Furqat Sidiqov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the United States, said on X.
Trump said on February 1 that he would close the Kennedy Center for construction, in a decision that followed cancellations by performers after the president replaced trustees on the center’s board and added his name to the building. The new board members voted for the addition of Trump’s name, though critics and some lawmakers say that only Congress can legally change the name of the federal institution.
The center is the main performing venue for the National Symphony Orchestra, so the plan to close it is of particular concern for its musicians.
Still, with Abduraimov’s support, the orchestra performed with professionalism, starting out with a rendition of the national anthem for the big crowd.
Born in Tashkent, 35-year-old Abduraimov has performed with many leading orchestras and at top international festivals.
