Open Rehearsal: Santtu and Nikolai Lugansky
Artists
Santtu-Matias Rouvali – conductor
Nikolai Lugansky – piano
Programme
Ravel Alborada del gracioso
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
— Interval —
Ravel La Valse
Respighi Pines of Rome
The Philharmonia and their Principal Conductor Santtu pull out all the stops in the finale of their 2024/25 season.
We’re joined by Nikolai Lugansky, the Russian prince of the piano, 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).
Watch Nikolai Lugansky take us on a guided tour of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in 2009.
This rehearsal will be followed by a Q&A with one of our musicians.
Need to know
Price
£5
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Running time
Approximately 3 hrs (subject to change)
Recommended age
From 7+
Programme notes
Digital programme notes available closer to the rehearsal.
Contact the Friends team
Phone: 020 7921 3906
Email: friends@philharmonia.co.uk
Concerto and Symphony Friends
Concerto and Symphony Friends members can claim their complimentary pair of open rehearsal tickets by emailing friends@philharmonia.co.uk.
About
Open rehearsals are not performances. Playing may be paused at various intervals in order for the conductor, soloist and orchestra to agree on specific styles and dynamics.
Open rehearsals will take place in the auditorium where the concert is due to be performed, unless otherwise specified. Times and repertoire being rehearsed will be confirmed prior to the rehearsal date, as these schedules are subject to change.
Please note that open rehearsals are working processes for the conductor and the Orchestra, we cannot guarantee that pieces will be played in their entirety. Timings are subject to change and every endeavour will be made to let ticket holders know in advance about any such changes. Please check our website for up-to-date information.
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