Sergey Malov is an enigma.
The virtuoso violinist and classical master is also crafting a reputation as a bit of a rebel.
Malov first came to our attention when he won the 2011 Michael Hill International Violin Competition — since then, the Berlin-based virtuoso’s made many new fans and realised a dream to purchase a little-known string instrument, the violioncello da spalla.
Ahead of a one-off show at The Lodge at The Hills this Sunday, hosted by the Hill Family Foundation for Arts and Music, Malov tells Mountain
Scene the instrument is an incredible source of happiness.
Suggesting it cuts a dramatic image on stage, he replies he prefers that term, ‘‘rather than funny or ridiculous’’.
‘‘The secret is, the way it sounds, well it surprises you.
‘‘From an instrument of this scale, you definitely don’t expect such a deep sound.’’
The 40-year-old’s fast gaining a reputation for the unexpected and for improvisation.
‘‘That’s just a normal way of being for me and I’m really happy that I’m succeeding rather well with that.’’
Malov also finds happiness swimming and playing soccer — and a dip in the lake is on the cards while he’s here.
‘‘I try to swim wherever I can, wherever I am.’’
Now a father to a 5-year-old daughter, Malov is keen to reunite with his host parents from 2011, Louise and Alf Bell.
‘‘They showed so much trust and so much care … it was a difficult time for sure, full of pressure during the competition, but also the years after.’’
They’ve kept in regular touch by email ever since.
Malov is heading here from Nelson where he’s been playing with some big names from the world of classical music at the Adam Chamber Music Festival.
He’s promising some surprises and fun at The Lodge on Sunday.
‘‘There will definitely be some unheard things, and they will be really funny things, playing an instrument with a bow, there can be some very different techniques, they can make people laugh and amuse themselves which is one of the different facets of that.’’
Sergey Malov in Concert, Sunday, 4pm, The Lodge at The Hills. Tickets, $79 plus booking fee, via Humanitix
