Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Sir Stephen Hough

OVERVIEW

Acclaimed pianist Sir Stephen Hough—a true master of his craft, longtime collaborator with our orchestra, and favorite among audiences—interprets Rachmaninoff’s perpetually popular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Beginning with a simple theme, Rachmaninoff playfully reinvents it in 24 distinct variations, each one more imaginative than the last! The iconic 18th variation is widely regarded as one of the most achingly beautiful melodies ever written.

The evening bursts to life with Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from The Golden Slippers, a rousing display of flair and festive spirit that transforms the traditional Polish dance into a whirlwind of orchestral talent. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a potent blend of personal anguish and social commentary, moves between moments of triumph and complexity, capturing the frenetic rollercoaster of life under Soviet rule.

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Season Ticket Packages On Sale Now
Design-A-Series & Group Tickets On Sale: May 28, 2025
Single-Performance Tickets On-Sale: August 1, 2025

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Join us for a pre-concert chat about the evening’s program with guest artists and symphony musicians, held 45 minutes prior to the performance start time in the First Tier Room.

PROGRAM

TCHAIKOVSKY: Polonaise from The Golden Slippers
RACHMANINOFF: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5

ARTISTS

Alpesh Chauhan
conductor

Stephen Hough
piano

Utah Symphony