This Sunday evening Santa Monica Symphony’s (SMS) seasonal closing concert will feature pianist Robert Thies in Rachmaninov’s 2nd Concerto in C minor, op.18, as part of “Greatest Russian Symphonic Spectaculars.”
The program opens with Rimsky-Korsakov’s celebrated overture “Russian Easter” which is a true showcase of dazzling orchestral virtuosity. It also features several of the orchestra’s solo artists in beautiful solo passages.
The Rachmaninov concerto was originally going to be performed by pianist Jura Margulis, but sadly, he was forced to cancel due to illness. The SMS is thrilled to feature Robert Thies, an internationally celebrated soloist who is currently on the faculty of the Colburn School.
Last on the program is the Magnificent “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky/Ravel. This work is a staple of the Orchestral Repertoire as it is one of the first works that describes in music the impressions of seeing a set of 10 great Russian Paintings. This Culminates in the incomparable “Great Gate of Kiev,” generally considered to achieve the Grandest orchestral sound and climax ever experienced!, according to SMS.
Join in the musical celebration Sunday, May 29, 7pm, at Barnum Hall on the Santa Monica High School Campus.
There will also be a pre-concert lecture in the auditorium beginning at 6pm describing the program and explaining some of the musical details and background.
All Santa Monica Symphony concert are offered with free admission. For parking information or any other questions, please see the Symphony website at www.smsymphony.org.