Reading Symphony Orchestra: Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky

Our spring concert is a celebration of Russian music and we are delighted to welcome Spanish pianist Sergi Pacheco Portales to perform Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 3. Sergi studied at the Utrecht Conservatoire and has performed widely across Europe and South America. Rachmaninov’s masterpiece is one of the most technically demanding concertos for piano and the audience will be dazzled by Sergi’s virtuosity and musicality.

Stravinsky’s music for The Firebird will take centre stage for the second half of the concert. The first of Stravinsky’s collaborations with Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, the audience will be transported to a magical forest where the Firebird saves the life of Prince Ivan with an enchanted feather

The concert will begin with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Overture to the Tsar’s Bride – a complex tale of lovers, magic potions and Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The concert will end with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Pas de deux from the Nutcracker. A Russian odyssey not to be missed!