On November 15, 2025, Casa da Música in Porto hosted the world premiere of Gabriel Prokofiev’s Concerto for Minimoog Synthesizer and Orchestra, a groundbreaking work that bridges electronic and classical traditions. The concerto featured acclaimed concert pianist and author Inna Faliks, professor of piano at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, as soloist, performing on the iconic Minimoog synthesizer – the first concert artist of the piano ever to do so.
Prokofiev, known for his innovative approach to contemporary music, conceived the piece as a dialogue between analog electronic sound and the symphonic palette. The Minimoog—an instrument synonymous with 1970s electronic music—was reimagined in a concert hall setting, interacting dynamically with the orchestra.
Faliks, celebrated for her adventurous programming and expressive artistry, embraced the challenge of this unprecedented role. Her virtuoso performance highlighted the Minimoog’s versatility, from lyrical passages to bold rhythmic gestures, while maintaining a strong connection to the orchestral texture.
The premiere was part of Casa da Música’s commitment to presenting cutting-edge works that expand the boundaries of classical music. The event attracted significant attention in the international music community, following previews in Wise Music Classical, Only Stage, and Portuguese media, which praised the concerto’s originality and cultural significance.
This collaboration marks a milestone in contemporary repertoire, offering audiences a unique sonic experience and reaffirming the relevance of electronic instruments in the concert hall.