Rachmaninoff's 150th Birthday featuring Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Symphony No. 2

Sergei Rachmaninoff deserves to be celebrated every day, but 2023 marks 150 years since his birth on April 1st, 1873. Considered one of the most influential and well-known Romantic composers, Sergei Rachmaninoff said, “Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” In celebration of his 150thbirthday, NatPhil presents two of his most quintessential works, beginning with the familiar and beloved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, featuring piano virtuoso Claire Huangci. Following the crowd-pleasing Rhapsody is Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, an intense piece from Rachmaninoff’s early career. Known for its memorable emotionally-driven melodies, Symphony No. 2 is the perfect conclusion to a program celebrating a composer that, after a century and half, still remains inspiring to classical fans the world over.