Evgeny Grinko Releases His New Classical Masterpiece “Winter Moonlight” – A Cinematic Journey Through Sound

Acclaimed Russian composer Evgeny Grinko, whose transcendent compositions have captivated millions worldwide, is proud to announce the release of his new album, Winter Moonlight. Set against the backdrop of Grinko’s journey as a self-taught pianist and composer, this latest offering solidifies his place as one of contemporary classical music’s most evocative voices. Winter Moonlight is a testament to Grinko’s ability to transform minimalism into a kaleidoscope of emotions. Listeners will hear whispers of winter serenity, the gentle caress of moonlight, and moments of intense introspection. Grinko explains, “Each composition feels like a small miracle to me, and I’m thrilled to share these miracles with the world.”

Recalling the emotional reveries of Max Richter and the cinematic drama of Philip Glass, Winter Moonlight takes listeners on a vivid journey through melodic soundscapes. Grinko’s sparse yet profoundly moving compositions, enriched with violas, synthesizers, and even wordless vocals, showcase the evolution of his artistry. “I wanted to show how my path evolved,” Grinko shares. “It’s still a reference to the imaginary world of my 2011 EP Winter Sunshine, but it’s darker, more mature. I just wanted to create something beautiful and let the music speak for itself.”

Several tracks on Winter Moonlight date back to the early stages of Grinko’s career, with compositions originating between 2008 and 2009. Thematically, the album explores seasonal transitions, offering everything from the melancholic chill of “Glare of Us” to the warm, theatrical bursts of “Ticket to the Rome.” Highlights include the breathtaking “Mr. Squirrel,” featuring American vocalist SVRCINA, and the serene “Evening Bell,” with its subtle touch of synthesizer. Grinko describes his collaboration with SVRCINA as “an incredible experience,” explaining that her ethereal, wordless vocals brought the composition to life in a way that exceeded his expectations. 

Grinko’s journey from a self-taught pianist in Zukhovsky to a global neoclassical icon is nothing short of extraordinary. His career took a pivotal turn in 2010 with the viral success of “Valse,” a mesmerizing composition that began organically in Turkey before capturing hearts around the world. The iconic video, filmed with Grinko performing on an upright piano in a field at sunset, became a defining moment, leading to sold-out shows and international acclaim.

Since then, Grinko has continued to innovate and inspire, creating a discography that has garnered a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. Winter Moonlight also reflects the personal transformations Grinko has undergone in recent years. Following his arrest in Russia for protesting the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Grinko relocated to Istanbul and Berlin, experiences that have deeply informed his music.

“I look at this project as mirroring the arc of my career thus far,” he reflects. “From my beginnings as a post-punk drummer to unexpected stardom in the neoclassical world—and through profound life changes along the way—Winter Moonlight is a perfect representation of myself at this moment in time.”

The release of Winter Moonlight will be accompanied by a European tour, where fans will experience the magic of Grinko’s compositions brought to life by his stellar ensemble. Don’t miss the chance to witness the intimate brilliance of Evgeny Grinko live at the following dates and venues:

More about Evgeny Grinko

Evgeny Grinko is a celebrated Russian composer and multi-instrumentalist whose music serendipitously gained worldwide recognition. A former noise rock musician, Grinko’s shift into modern classical music was marked by the viral success of his piano composition “Valse.” This piece organically spread from Turkey and has since captivated millions globally, amassing over half a billion streams across Evgeny’s catalog.

Grinko’s compositions are known for their cinematic quality, blending melancholy, humor, and longing with minimalist instrumentation. His music feels like a spontaneous “miracle,” in his own words, and invites listeners on a journey through vivid soundscapes. Each live performance by Grinko and his ensemble is an intimate and transformative experience, where his iconic tracks are reimagined alongside unreleased material.

Born in Zhukovsky, Russia, Grinko’s musical journey began with a fascination for film scores and rock music, later evolving into his signature classical sound. His albums, including Ice for Aureliano Buendia (2013), Naive Album (2019), and Orange Marmalade (2021), have solidified his place as a global music phenomenon, blending emotional depth with masterful compositional technique.

Today, Evgeny Grinko continues to evolve his craft, with a growing community of devoted fans eager for what comes next.