Rachmaninoff & Dvorak

Rapturous Rachmaninoff and more!

This Monday evening we continue our celebration of The Phoenix Symphony when guest conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya leads the ensemble in programming that rich in both cultural resonance and technical mastery. Broadcast at 7 pm on KNAU Arizona Public Radio, Classical Arizona PBS DTV 8.5 (in Dolby Surround Sound), and Classical 89.5 KBACH, the concert features a curated selection of pieces, including Jessie Montgomery‘s Hymn for Everyone, Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra_­—featuring pianist Joyce Yang—and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.

The program opens with Hymn for Everyone, a work by Jessie Montgomery, a leading voice in American contemporary classical music known for her expressive style and cultural exploration. Montgomery’s compositions often grapple with themes of social justice and history, resonating across a broad spectrum of listeners. Hymn for Everyone combines elements of hymn and folk music with cross-genre influences, evoking a contemplative atmosphere. Montgomery crafted this piece as a response to collective moments of division, emphasizing themes of unity and comfort.

Hymn for Everyone brings together influences from African-American spirituals, jazz, and classical forms, achieving a sound that is distinctly modern yet timeless. The score unfolds with flowing melodies and building harmonies, illustrating a journey from solitude to unity—an idea that speaks to Montgomery’s broader artistic message of music’s power to bridge divides.

The evening continues with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2 in C minor for Piano & Orchestra, Op. 18, one of the Romantic era’s most cherished concertos, a piece that showcases both the emotive depth and virtuosic demands typical of the composer. Written in the early 20th century, the concerto reflects Rachmaninoff’s own battle with self-doubt and his eventual recovery, marking his triumphant return to composition. Its opening dramatic chords, haunting second movement, and exuberant finale have made it a favorite in the piano repertoire.

The Piano Concerto has permeated pop culture for over a century, becoming one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music in film, television, and popular music. Its evocative melodies and emotional intensity have made it a favorite for soundtracks, famously appearing in movies like Brief Encounter (1945), where it underscores the film’s themes of romance and longing, and The Seven Year Itch (1955), adding a dramatic flair to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic scene. The concerto’s influence extends beyond cinema; it has inspired popular songs, most notably Eric Carmen’s All by Myself, which borrows directly from its sweeping second movement. This timeless piece continues to resonate across genres, symbolizing passion, introspection, and the complexity of human emotion in a way that speaks to audiences far beyond the concert hall.

The final piece on the program, Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, is known for its joyful tone, folk-inspired melodies, and optimistic energy. Composed in 1889, this work is distinctly different from Dvořák’s other symphonies, drawing heavily on Czech folk influences to create a fresh, pastoral sound. Written during a productive and reflective period in Dvořák’s life, the symphony does not adhere to classical form but instead unfolds with a sense of spontaneity and storytelling.

This symphony’s movements echo Dvořák’s love of his homeland, with passages evoking rustic dances, pastoral scenes, and celebratory fanfares. Under the direction of Lidia Yankovskaya, the performance of Symphony No. 8 captures the work’s lightheartedness and depth. Yankovskaya’s interpretive approach and sensitivity to the composer’s intentions bring forth the symphony’s rich layers and spirited energy.

On the podium for this concert is guest conductor Lidia Yankovskaya. Born in Russia and raised in the United States, Yankovskaya is known for bridging cultural divides and fostering diversity in her programming. Currently serving as the Music Director of Chicago Opera Theater, she has conducted at top-tier institutions including Boston Lyric Opera, the Washington National Opera, and the Seattle Symphony. Her advocacy for new music and female composers, alongside her dynamic conducting style, has garnered her recognition as a transformative figure in classical music.

Yankovskaya’s interpretive sensitivity, coupled with her passion for storytelling, aligns with The Phoenix Symphony’s program, which calls for both technical precision and emotional insight. Her versatility and dedication to musical inclusivity have shaped her reputation as a conductor with a unique voice and perspective.

The soloist in the Rachmaninoff is South Korean-born pianist Joyce Yang, recognized for her expressive power and lyrical style, rose to prominence as the silver medalist at the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Since then, she has performed with orchestras around the globe, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony. Her performances are marked by both technical command and emotional depth, qualities that make her an ideal interpreter of Rachmaninoff’s complex and soul-stirring Concerto No. 2. She made her debut with The Phoenix Symphony in 2022 with Rachmaninoff’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, Op. 30

The Phoenix Symphony’s Monday night broadcast offers a range of works that traverse diverse musical landscapes, from Montgomery’s introspective Hymn for Everyone to the powerful, romantic strains of Rachmaninoff and the joyous rhythms of Dvořák. This varied selection, guided by Yankovskaya’s conducting and Yang’s performance on the piano, makes for an engaging evening of classical music on KNAU Arizona Public Radio, Classical Arizona PBS DTV 8.5, and Classical 89.5 KBACH.