Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1 - Vladimir Ashkenazy, Philharmonia Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra have a very special relationship, one going back decades. Today, as the Philharmonia’s Conductor Laureate, Ashkenazy is a unique presence on the podium with the Orchestra each season at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
Read more…Between November 2015 and 2016, Ashkenazy conducted the Philharmonia in a cycle of Rachmaninov’s three symphonies plus the ‘Symphonic Dances’ across four concerts in the Orchestra’s London Season. From the youthful invention of Rachmaninov’s First Symphony to the ‘Symphonic Dances’, written 44 years later, Ashkenazy brings to life the music of a composer who, like him, felt his Russian identity deeply and yet spent so much of his life away from his homeland.
Rachmaninov’s four masterworks will be released as part of a three-album series on Signum Classics throughout 2017 and 2018.
"This was a top-notch, utterly gripping account, and I loved every hectic bar." - The Times, November 2016
"This was a phenomenal rendition which gripped from first note until last." - Bachtrack, November 2016
"Throughout the night Ashkenazy was tireless, urging players with baton slashes, encouraging grins and pointed fingers...Afterwards, during the applause, came hearty handshakes and more grins. The night felt young.” - The Times, November 2016