This concert presents three iconic piano masterpieces with distinct styles. Opening with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4, the work combines his characteristic romantic melodies and harmonies with elements of jazz and modernity, epitomizing the composer’s late style. This concerto is renowned for its technical challenges and rich emotional depth, showcasing Rachmaninoff's innovative exploration of musical language.

Following this is Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Known for its vibrant jazz elements and rhythms, the piece opens with a captivating clarinet glissando, leading listeners on a musical journey that blends classical and jazz influences. Through its lively melodies and energetic rhythms, Gershwin paints a vivid picture of early 20th-century American urban life, full of dynamic energy.

This concert intertwines romance and jazz, transporting the audience between Russian sentiment and the charm of American cityscapes.

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 35

Piano｜Kimberly CHEN Afanasova, WANG Yi-xin