April marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the last great exponent of Russian romanticism, Sergei Rachmaninov. He is one of those composers beloved by concertgoers but disdained by more highbrow critics over a long period of time. Arguably, this is because of his popular success and his lack of interest in 20th century modernism.

Perhaps most notable are the three fine choral works: The Bells, Vespers (All Night Vigil), and the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom.

You might like to check the article in the April edition of Fine Music Magazine by Rex Burgess, who claims that more recent appreciation of his exceptionally fine pianism and prowess as a conductor, plus rarely performed choral works, have been grounds for a reappraisal.

Throughout April, we have scheduled 15 programs that exemplify his craft and the era. These programs will also be posted to this page for you to Listen Anytime.

Schedule of programs

AprilTimeProgramFeatureProgrammerPresenter
Sat 1st9:05amTHE PIANO ALONESonata no1Frank MorrisonTroy Fill
Sat 1st1:00pmSATURDAY MATINEESymphony no2David BrettDavid Brett
Sun 2nd3:00pmSUNDAY SPECIAL: Rachmaninov Choral SymphonyChoral symphony:
The Bells
Gerald HolderStephen Wilson
Wed 5th2:00pmA MUSICAL GIANT: Rachmaninov, the early years – up to 1895Symphony no1;
Piano concerto no1
Brian DrummondJill Hickson
Wed 5th8:00pmAT THE OPERAFrancesca da RiminiCamille MercepCamille Mercep
Sat 8th9:05amTHE PIANO ALONEEtudes Tableaux op33Michael Morton-Evans Mary Moran
Wed 12th2:00pmA MUSICAL GIANT: Rachmaninov 1896-1909 Part 1Piano Concerto no2Dan BickelBrian Drummond
Sat 15th9:05amTHE PIANO ALONEVariations on a Theme of CorelliJennifer FoongChristina Macguiness
Sun 16th3:00pmSUNDAY SPECIAL: Rachmaninov’s LiturgyLiturgy of St John ChrysostomRex BurgessNina Fudala
Wed 19th2:00pmA MUSICAL GIANT: Rachmaninov 1896-1909 Part 2Piano Concerto no3Ron WalledgeJill Hickson
Sat 22nd9:05amTHE PIANO ALONESonata no2Jacky TernisienMichael Field
Sat 22nd1:00pmSATURDAY MATINEEVespersTom Forrester-PatonAndrew Clark
Wed 26th2:00pmA MUSICAL GIANT: Rachmaninov 1910-1926Piano Concerto no4;
Symphony no 3
Chris BowerJill Hickson
Sat 29th9:05amTHE PIANO ALONEEtudes Tableaux op39James NightingaleToby Wong
Sun 30th3:00pmSUNDAY SPECIAL: Rachmaninov’s last years and legacyRhapsody on Paganini;
Symphonic Dances;
last recordings
Stephen WilsonMary Moran

Listen Anytime