Nikolai Lugansky plays Rachmaninov

Programme

In the finale of our 2024/25 season, we’re joined by Nikolai Lugansky in Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto. One of the all-time great interpreters of Rachmaninov, renowned for his ‘quintessentially Russian sound’ (Independent), Lugansky understands this most challenging and rewarding of concertos inside out. All Rachmaninov’s trademarks are there: bittersweet melodies, pianistic fireworks, and lush orchestral writing. 

Alborada del gracioso roughly translates as Dawn Song of the Jester. It’s a beguiling short piece with a Spanish flavour, complete with castanets, and a harp imitating the strumming of a guitar. La Valse is an altogether darker affair – Ravel’s deconstruction of a Viennese waltz is said to represent the cataclysmic impact of the First World War.

In Pines of Rome, Respighi uses a huge orchestra to paint four pictures of Rome in thrilling detail: the innocence of children playing, gloomy catacombs, a gentle nocturne, and finally a victorious Roman legion returning home, acclaimed by jubilant brass. Every member of the Philharmonia will be turning the dial up to 11 to bring their 2024/25 season to a roof-raising close.

‘Lugansky’s passion radiates, and his piano sings and thunders’ (Bachtrack).

We caught up with Nikolai Lugansky ahead of our concert. Read the blog here.

This concert was originally advertised with Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducting. Unfortunately Santtu is unwell, and is unable to join us. We are very grateful to Carlos Miguel Prieto for stepping in at short notice. The programme remains unchanged.