Rachmaninoff Festival - University of Houston
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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

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  • Solo Piano Concert at Russian Cultural Center: 11/19/23

    Sunday, November 19 | 6:00 p.m.
    Russian Cultural Center

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    Come discover Classical music’s rising star pianists at Houston's Russian Cultural Center. 

    Russian Cultural Center
    2337 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005

    Program:

    Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42
    Ilya Ivanovpiano

    Barcarolle Op. 10, No. 3
    Janna Peñapiano

    Prelude Op. 32, No. 8 in A Minor
    Gloria Chaepiano

    Liebesfreud (Kreisler/arr. by Rachmaninoff)
    Shu-Peng Wangpiano

    Etude Tableaux Op. 39 No. 6 in A Minor
    Uicheol Uhmpiano

    In 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 Calderonpiano

    Sonata #2 in Bb Minor, Op. 36
           Allegro Agitato
    Paul McCarrollpiano

  • Two- and Four-Hand Piano Faculty Concert: 11/27/23

    Monday, November 27 | 7:30 p.m.
    Moores Opera House

    Experience 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, piano 

    The 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!

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    Program:

    Étude-Tableau in Eb Minor, Opus 39 no. 5
    Étude-Tableau in C Minor, Opus 39 no. 1
    Timothy Hesterpiano

    Moments Musicaux in Db Major, Opus 16, no. 5
           Adagio Sostenuto
    Moments Musicaux in E Minor, Opus 16, no. 4
           Presto
    Tali Morgulispiano

    Suite #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 Kekerixpiano

    Intermission

    Prelude in Bb Minor, Opus 32, no.2
    Prelude in Bb Major, Opus 23, no. 2
    Todd Van Kekerixpiano

    Lilacs, Opus 25, no.5
    Étude-Tableau in D Minor, Opus 39, no.8
    Liebesleid (Kreisler/arr. by Rachmaninoff)
    Andrew Staupepiano

    Suite #2, Opus 17
           Introduction: Alla marcia
           Valse: Presto
           Romance: Andantino
           Tarantelle: Presto
    Timothy Hester & Tali Morgulispiano

  • Chamber Music for Voices and Cello: 11/28/23

    Tuesday, November 28 | 7:30 p.m.
    Moores Opera House

    In 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, piano 

    The 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. 5

    The 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 3

    These 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. 11

    Zachary Averyt, Cynthia Clayton, Timothy Jones, Melanie Sonnenberg, vocalists
    Brian Suits, piano

    Intermission

    Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Opus 19
          Lento — Allegro moderato
          Allegro scherzando
          Andante
          Allegro mosso

    Eunghee Cho, cello
    Brian Suits, piano

  • Wind Ensemble with Andrew Staupe, piano: 11/29/23

    Wednesday, November 29 | 7:30 p.m.
    Moores Opera House

    Prepare 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 House

    Join 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.

    PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

    Faculty Performers: 

    Amber Archibald-Sešek, viola
    Eunghee Cho, cello
    Timothy Hester, piano
    Mann-Wen Lo, violín
    Kirsten Yon, violin

    Program: 

    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
    FREE

    Dive 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 House

    Embark 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.

    PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

    Program: 

    Piano Concerto #2 in C minor, Opus 18
           Moderato
           Adagio sostenuto
           Allegro Scherzando

    Tali Morgulispianist 
    Moores School Symphony Orchestra
    Franz Kragerconductor

    The 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 Bells

    Moores School Combined Choruses
    Betsy Cook Weberchorus director
    Alex Koppelchorus director
    Yelena Dyacheksoprano
    Viktor Antipenkotenor
    Sergei Leiferkusbaritone

Three photos of Sergei Rachmaninoff sitting at the piano or composing music, courtesy of the Library of Congress