On Saturday, 11 February, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Sergey Rachmaninoff (Rachmaninov) and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Rachmaninoff's piano concerto no.3 (often referred to as "Rach 3") is more mature and far more elaborate at both the technical and emotional levels than previous works by the composer. The concerto premiered in 1909 with Rachmaninoff himself as soloist. The concerto is one of the favourite repertoire elements in all concert halls for it's complexity, challenge and emotional and intellectual pull.

In June 2011, Mohamed Shams played this concerto in the Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House. Now the concerto returns performed by Wael Farouk.

Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade plays on the tales of the Arabian Nights, which date back to the 10th century. Scheherazade, based on one of the Nights' most famous characters, contains numerous typical elements of Russian music, along with some “oriental” flavours.

Through music, the composer plays on a number of tales, from “The Sea and Sinbad's Ship” in the first movement to “The Festival in Baghdad” in the final movement.

Programme:
Saturday, 11 February, 8:00pm
Cairo Opera House, Main Hall