Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto

Rachmaninoff’s achingly beautiful Second Piano Concerto, performed by pianist Lukáš Vondráček, anchors a program that reflects a world in upheaval and transformation. Written at the dawn of the modern age, these companion works respond to the same restless moment, moving through tension and release with music that feels searching and expansive. Conductor David Afkham shapes the journey, drawing out vivid orchestral color and expressive depth.

• Written between 1900 and 1920, these works place four composers in the same historical moment, responding to rapid industrial change and global upheaval at the edge of a new century.
• The social commentary of La valse is realized as it twists the familiar waltz into something unstable, gradually accelerating toward a disorienting collapse that reframes elegance as excess.
• Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto is famous for being the source for the Celine Dion hit, "All by Myself," and it is loved for its long, beautiful melodies and depth.
• Lili Boulanger was the first female winner of the Grand Prix de Rome prize in 1913 at age 19. She is the younger sister of another noted composer, Nadia Boulanger.

• Approximate run time: 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission.
• Late seating is not guaranteed, and will happen at the discretion of the front of house manager.
• Many Classical concerts include brief onstage remarks from the conductor and select performances feature pre-and post-concert talks.
• Come as you are. You'll see everything from casual to cocktail attire.
• Don't miss the new Coffee Series 11 AM Friday option for this weekend's programs.