Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 Finale
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

With her dramatic First Prize win at the prestigious 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition, Olga Kern was celebrated as one of the world’s most brilliant and charismatic piano virtuosos.

Russian-born, raised in a musical family with ties to Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, she dazzles audiences around the world with her bravura performances. For her historic Rockford appearance she has chosen two of the most brilliant and difficult works written for the piano, Rachmaninov’s famous Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and the finale from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1.

Tchaikovsky’s glorious Fifth Symphony returns to the RSO’s programming after a sixteen-year absence. Its somber opening motive leads to a journey through heart-melting melodies, graceful waltz rhythms and finally an exhilaratingly triumphant finale.

Olga Kern’s appearance this evening is made possible through a generous gift from Focus Financial Advisors, Inc., Greg and Laurel Franchini, Tom and Darlene Furst.

Program Notes

Biography for Olga Kern

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