Stephen Hough performs Rachmaninov 2

11 - 13 May 2023

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Rachmaninov’s beloved Piano Concerto No.2 is considered one of the greatest of all time. Acclaimed British pianist Stephen Hough shows us why.

Gloriously Expansive

Stephen Hough, one of the world’s most acclaimed pianists, performs the work that rocketed Rachmaninov to stardom. Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 is an arresting testament to youthful exuberance. In three powerful movements, the composer creates a dramatic journey from darkness to light.

The breathtaking conviction and originality of this concerto may be why it’s considered one of the greatest of all time. When interpreted with depth and clarity by Stephen Hough, we can appreciate more fully the humanity of Rachmaninov’s work.

Respighi uses the full power of the orchestra in his epic Roman Trilogy. Conducted by John Wilson, this is expansive, glorious music that will take you to a landscape at once exotic and familiar.
 

Programme
RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No.2
RESPIGHI 
Roman Festivals*
Fountains of Rome*
Pines of Rome

*Saturday 13 May performance only

Artists
John Wilson conductor 
Stephen Hough piano

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Other information

You may also like

Donald Runnicles conducts Sibelius & Wagner

18 – 20 Sep 2025

Join the Sydney Symphony on this thrilling voyage across two striking visions of the ocean paired with Sibelius’ sweeping Symphony No.2. World-renowned Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles summons every ounce of passion from the talented musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Graphic showing a shell with stormy oceans within superimposed over waves crashing onto shore

Mozart & Harrison

10 & 11 Oct 2025

The combination of clarinet and strings is a perfect match, the mellow woodwind balanced beautifully against the sprightly strings. Mozart was the first to explore this combination in his Clarinet Quintet of 1789, written for Anton Stadler, the most gifted clarinettist in Vienna at the time. Across four exquisite movements we hear a gentle lullaby, a lively dance and lyrical passages that could almost be opera arias; while the clarinet is first among equals, all five instruments shine in this exquisite piece.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Three violin players stand playing the violin in the Sydney Opera House Utzon Room

Ingrid Fliter performs Chopin

30 Oct – 2 Nov 2024

Chopin's glittering First Piano Concerto captures the powerful feelings of youth. Written when he was 20, it's one of two works he composed for orchestra.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Checking availability