In the year when we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sergei Rachmaninoff, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, led by chief conductor Gabriel Feltz, is marking this special event with the Rachmaninoff Marathon, scheduled for Friday, December 15 (Kolarac, 7 PM). With three esteemed pianists: Petr Limonov, Olga Sheps, and Ana Fedorova, the orchestra will perform Rachmaninoff’s first three piano concertos.
During this significant year marking the birth of this great composer and pianist, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra is preparing a special treat not only for piano enthusiasts but for all music aficionados. Three different pianists interpreting Rachmaninoff’s first three piano concertos will bring to the audience their diverse sensibilities and interpretations of the composer’s musical growth.
The Rachmaninoff Marathon opens with the performance of Petr Limonov, highly critically praised musician for his profound sensibility, exceptional musical intelligence, and impressive pianistic strength. Following Limonov’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.1, Olga Sheps, known for her brilliant interpretation of the composer’s subsequent concerto, will take the stage. Belgrade audiences will have the privilege of experiencing Sheps, a pianist acclaimed for performances in prestigious concert halls worldwide, including Elbphilharmonie, Berlin and Cologne Philharmonics, Vienna Konzerthaus, Zurich Tonhalle, and Tokyo Suntory Hall.
The spectacular finale of the Rachmaninoff Marathon highlights the masterpiece of piano literature, the renowned Rach 3, immortalized by the multiple Oscars winning film Shine. Performance of Ana Fedorova will justify well-deserved acclaim surrounding this pinnacle of the piano genre, known for its demanding technical requirements even for the most adept pianists. She is known not only for performances alongside prestigious orchestras in renowned venues but also for multiple award-winning musical albums and a strong commitment to superior musical education.
This is not just a special concert event; it is also an exciting journey, especially for teenagers from Belgrade high schools, through the musical legacy of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Conductor Gabriel Feltz has curated a special experience of Rachmaninoff’s genius, guiding them through the musical intricacies of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.
Friday’s concert is already a sold-out event, however standing tickets will be available for purchase an hour before the event, starting from 6 PM at the Kolarac box office. The concert, due to its extended duration, begins at 7 PM.
