Rachmaninoff Sesquicentennial
Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts and the Moores School of Music invite you to join us as we celebrate 150 years of the legendary composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Rachmaninoff's masterpieces as our esteemed musicians bring his works to life on stage. You'll experience the profound impact of Rachmaninoff's music through a series of concerts, featuring performances of his iconic piano concertos, symphonies, and vocal compositions.
Full Concert Schedule
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Sunday, November 19 6:00 p.m. Solo Piano Concert at Russian Cultural Center Monday, November 27 7:30 p.m. Two- and Four-Hand Piano Faculty Concert Tuesday, November 28 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music for Voices and Cello Wednesday, November 29 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble with Andrew Staupe, piano Thursday, November 30 7:30 p.m. Faculty Chamber Music Saturday, December 2 2:00 p.m. FREE Solo Piano Extravaganza Saturday, December 2 7:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorale Solo Piano Concert at Russian Cultural Center: 11/19/23
Sunday, November 19 | 6:00 p.m.
Russian Cultural CenterPURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Come discover Classical music’s rising star pianists at Houston's Russian Cultural Center.
Russian Cultural Center
2337 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005Program:
Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42
Ilya Ivanov, pianoBarcarolle Op. 10, No. 3
Janna Peña, pianoPrelude Op. 32, No. 8 in A Minor
Gloria Chae, pianoLiebesfreud (Kreisler/arr. by Rachmaninoff)
Shu-Peng Wang, pianoEtude Tableaux Op. 39 No. 6 in A Minor
Uicheol Uhm, pianoIn the Silent Night Op. 4 No. 3 (Earl Wild Transcription)
O, Cease Thy Singing Op. 4, No. 4 (Earl Wild Transcription)
Dreams Op. 38, No. 5 (Earl Wild Transcription)
Matthew Calderon, pianoSonata #2 in Bb Minor, Op. 36
Allegro Agitato
Paul McCarroll, pianoTwo- and Four-Hand Piano Faculty Concert: 11/27/23
Monday, November 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Moores Opera HouseExperience the soul-stirring compositions of Russian master composer Sergei Rachmaninoff like never before at the Moores School of Music faculty concert on November 27. This captivating evening will transport you into the heart of Rachmaninoff’s musical genius!
Faculty Performers:
Timothy Hester, piano
Tali Morgulis, piano
Andrew Staupe, piano
Todd Van Kekerix, pianoThe concert opens with Timothy Hester, delving into the profound depths of Rachmaninoff’s Étude-Tableau in Eb Minor, Opus 39 no. 5, followed by the hauntingly beautiful Étude-Tableau in C Minor, Opus 39 no. 1.
Tali Morgulis, takes the stage next, painting musical landscapes with Moments Musicaux in Db Major, Opus 16, no. 5, featuring the evocative Adagio Sostenuto, and Moments Musicaux in E Minor, Opus 16, no. 4, delivered with breathtaking virtuosity.
The collaboration of Andrew Staupe and Todd Van Kekerix brings Suite #1 in G Minor, Opus 5, to life, guiding the audience through a range of emotions, from the dreamy Barcarolle to the achingly beautiful Largo di molto of Les Larmes, concluding with the triumphant Allegro maestoso of Pâques.
Following intermission, Todd Van Kekerix returns to the stage to enchant the audience with Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in Bb Minor, Opus 32, no. 2, and Prelude in Bb Major, Opus 23, no. 2, showcasing the composer’s lyrical prowess.
Andrew Staupe graces the evening with Rachmaninoff’s Lilacs, Opus 25 no. 5, the passionate Étude-Tableau in D Minor, Opus 39, no. 8, and an enchanting arrangement of Kreisler’s Liebesleid.
The concert culminates in a powerful finale with Timothy Hester and Tali Morgulis teaming up to perform Suite #2, Opus 17, delivering the exhilarating Tarantelle, among other enchanting pieces.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of Sergei Rachmaninoff, brought to life by the exceptional talent of the Moores School of Music piano faculty. It’s an evening of musical magic you won’t want to miss!
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Program:
Étude-Tableau in Eb Minor, Opus 39 no. 5
Étude-Tableau in C Minor, Opus 39 no. 1
Timothy Hester, pianoMoments Musicaux in Db Major, Opus 16, no. 5
Adagio Sostenuto
Moments Musicaux in E Minor, Opus 16, no. 4
Presto
Tali Morgulis, pianoSuite #1 in G Minor, Opus 5
Barcarolle: Allegretto
La nuit…L’amour: Adagio sostenuto
Les Larmes: Largo di molto
Pâques: Allegro maestoso
Andrew Staupe & Todd Van Kekerix, pianoIntermission
Prelude in Bb Minor, Opus 32, no.2
Prelude in Bb Major, Opus 23, no. 2
Todd Van Kekerix, pianoLilacs, Opus 25, no.5
Étude-Tableau in D Minor, Opus 39, no.8
Liebesleid (Kreisler/arr. by Rachmaninoff)
Andrew Staupe, pianoSuite #2, Opus 17
Introduction: Alla marcia
Valse: Presto
Romance: Andantino
Tarantelle: Presto
Timothy Hester & Tali Morgulis, pianoChamber Music for Voices and Cello: 11/28/23
Tuesday, November 28 | 7:30 p.m.
Moores Opera HouseIn celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, this chamber performance will prove to be a captivating tribute to the renowned Russian composer’s vocal and instrumental compositions. The program features a selection of Rachmaninoff’s exquisite songs and his expressive Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Opus 19.
Faculty Performers:
Zachary Averyt, tenor
Eunghee Cho, cello
Cynthia Clayton, soprano
Timothy Jones, baritone
Melanie Sonnenberg, mezzo-soprano
Brian Suits, pianoThe vocal portion of the concert showcases Rachmaninoff’s gift for melody and emotional depth. These songs will be sure to take the audience on a journey through themes of love, nature, and introspection, all characteristic of Rachmaninoff’s romantic and Russian-inspired style.
To conclude this celebratory evening, cellist Eunghee Cho and pianist Brian Suits collaborate to present Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Opus 19. This masterpiece consists of four movements: Lento — Allegro moderato, Allegro scherzando, Andante, and Allegro mosso. Through this sonata, the audience is treated to Rachmaninoff’s instrumental prowess, with Cho’s cello and Suits’ piano intertwining to create a harmonious and emotional musical dialogue.
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Program:
Morning, Opus 4 no. 2
How Few the Joys, Opus 14 no. 3
The Ring, Opus 26 no. 14
Dreams, Opus 38 no. 5The Harvest of Sorrow, Opus 4 no. 5
The Dream, Opus 8 no 5
How Fair This Spot, Opus 21 no. 7
In the Mysterious Silence of the Night, Opus 4 no 3These Summer Nights, Opus 14 no.5
O, Never Sing to Me Again, Opus 4 no. 4
O, Do Not Grieve Opus 14 no. 8
Spring Waters, Opus 14 no. 11Zachary Averyt, Cynthia Clayton, Timothy Jones, Melanie Sonnenberg, vocalists
Brian Suits, pianoIntermission
Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Opus 19
Lento — Allegro moderato
Allegro scherzando
Andante
Allegro mossoEunghee Cho, cello
Brian Suits, pianoWind Ensemble with Andrew Staupe, piano: 11/29/23
Wednesday, November 29 | 7:30 p.m.
Moores Opera HousePrepare for an evening of musical brilliance as the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston proudly presents a concert featuring the University of Houston Wind Ensemble and faculty pianist Andrew Staupe!
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Program:
In celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, the University Wind Ensemble will perform Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43 and Symphonic Dances, Opus 45.
Audience members will be transported to a world of emotion, where Rachmaninoff’s compositions evoke a wide range of feelings, from melancholy and introspection to exuberance and triumph. This event promises to be an evening filled with musical magic, where the audience can immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Rachmaninoff’s music.
Don’t miss this extraordinary concert at the Moores School of Music, where Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini will resound with passion and artistry!
Faculty Chamber Music: 11/30/23
Thursday, November 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Moores Opera HouseJoin us for a captivating evening of music that pays tribute and celebrates the 150th birthday of Russian composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff. This concert promises to be a mesmerizing journey through some of Rachmaninoff’s most poignant and expressive works.
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Faculty Performers:
Amber Archibald-Sešek, viola
Eunghee Cho, cello
Timothy Hester, piano
Mann-Wen Lo, violín
Kirsten Yon, violinProgram:
The program begins with the “Romance in A Minor for Violin and Piano,” performed by Moores School of Music faculty violinist, Kirsten Yon and pianist Timothy Hester. Transporting the audience to a world of enchanting musical storytelling.
Continuing our exploration of Rachmaninoff’s music, Kirsten Yon (violin), Mann-Wen Lo (violin), Amber Archibald-Sešek (viola), and Eunghee Cho (cello) will perform the "String Quartet #2."
The evening ends with the “Trio élégiaque in D Minor, Opus 9.” Kirsten Yon, Eunghee Cho, and Timothy Hester come together to breathe life into this composition, offering a stirring performance that reflects Rachmaninoff’s evocative and richly layered style.
Solo Piano Extravaganza: 12/2/23
Saturday, December 2 | 2:00 p.m.
Dudley Recital Hall
FREEDive into an enchanting celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff, a true luminary of the 20th century’s exceptional composers. Immerse yourself in the Student Piano Extravaganza, a spellbinding event where the piano takes center stage, bringing Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces to life through the remarkable talents of Moores School of Music students.
Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorale: 12/2/23
Saturday, December 2 | 7:30 p.m.
Moores Opera HouseEmbark on a mesmerizing journey as we honor the legacy of Sergei Rachmaninoff, a distinguished composer of the 20th century. Experience the grandeur of the Moores School Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorale as they unite their musical prowess in an awe-inspiring performance. Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces will come alive through the harmonious synergy of orchestral melodies and choral voices, creating a truly unforgettable musical experience.
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Program:
Piano Concerto #2 in C minor, Opus 18
Moderato
Adagio sostenuto
Allegro ScherzandoTali Morgulis, pianist
Moores School Symphony Orchestra
Franz Krager, conductorThe Bells, Opus 35
Allegro ma non troppo: The Silver Sleigh Bells
Lento: The Mellow Wedding Bells
Presto: The Loud Alarm Bells
Lento lugubre: The Mournful Iron BellsMoores School Combined Choruses
Betsy Cook Weber, chorus director
Alex Koppel, chorus director
Yelena Dyachek, soprano
Viktor Antipenko, tenor
Sergei Leiferkus, baritone