MUSIC

Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special 3-week festival—RachFest!—paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring artist-in-residence Kirill Gerstein performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos.  The Houston Symphony presents RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 Friday-Saturday, January 13-14 at 8:00PM and Sunday, January 15 at 2:30PM in Jones Hall. 

Russian-born pianist Kirill Gerstein is one of today’s most intriguing young musicians. His masterful technique, musical curiosity, and probing interpretations have led to explorations of classical music and jazz, advanced degrees by the age of 20, a professorship in piano by the age of 27 and a full performance schedule at the world’s major music centers and festivals.

In addition to the 2010 Gilmore Artist Award, Kirill Gerstein was awarded First Prize at the 2001 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition in Tel Aviv, received a 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award, and was chosen as Carnegie Hall’s “Rising Star” for the 2005-06 season. He became an American citizen in 2003 and is currently a professor of piano at the Musikhochschule in Stuttgart.

PROGRAM
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1
Rachmaninoff: Isle of the Dead
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4

ARTISTS
Hans Graf, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano

Pictured:  Kirill Gerstein. Photo Credit: Marco Borggreve.