20.01.2026 What is the formula behind on-stage chemistry, and why is improvisation indispensable in a chemical laboratory? Pianist, People's Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev and chemist, laureate of the VYZOV Prize Vera Vil’ are the main protagonists of the new episode of the Vyzov Sophiko project, which was filmed at the Zotov Center in Moscow.
Denis Matsuev said that for him, learning a new musical piece is like the beginning of a romantic relationship. Vera Vil’ noted that just as love cannot exist without ‘chemistry’, a chemist cannot achieve success without true love for science. They spoke about the role of mistakes and the value of experimentation, not only in scientific research but also in music. Together with host Sophiko Shevardnadze, they discussed fears and challenges, recalled their mentors, and reflected on their first steps in their professions. The ‘chemistry’ was real!
The conversation turned out to be sincere and emotional, filled with humor and surprises. Denis Matsuev answered one question without words: he simply sat at the piano and performed Robert Schumann's Arabesque.
“Chemistry is one of the few subjects I struggled with in school, but despite that, I greatly enjoyed our conversation. This is the kind of format that is needed today, because we are all retreating into all sorts of podcasts and blogs where everything is fast-paced and clip-like. But here, we had an hour and a half of non-stop discussion that flew by in one breath. What I liked most was the atmosphere. I am deeply impressed,” Denis Matsuev said.
“I think scientists and artists are united by a great love for what they do. Moreover, I am certain that there is chemistry in music as well, because it is a process based on how sound is produced from various materials, and the properties of these materials determine a great deal. Speaking of music in chemistry, what springs to mind is how our biochemical processes are organized inside the cell: it is a kind of music, a vast harmony that embraces our entire world,” Vera Vil’ noted.
“Vera Vil’ and Denis Matsuev turned out to be fellow Siberians: she is from Angarsk, he is from Irkutsk. And that immediately set the tone for our conversation, as if kindred spirits had met: a great scientist and a great artist. They have different energies, but both treat their profession with reverence and love. I think the main takeaway we all leave with after this conversation is that nothing at all is possible without love, let alone something genius,” Sophiko Shevardnadze added.
The episode of Vyzov Sophiko with Denis Matsuev and Vera Vil’ will soon be available in the START online cinema and the VK community of the VYZOV Foundation. Don't miss it!
