Tucson Symphony Orchestra Plays Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody

The Tucson Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor James Feddeck, presents an evening of Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a beloved concertante work for piano and orchestra. Pianist Michael Davidman takes center stage, navigating the piece's 24 variations on Paganini's iconic Caprice No. 24. The music shifts from dramatic opening to lyrical introspection, with the famous 18th variation—a tender inversion of the theme—standing out as a highlight.

Rachmaninoff wrote the Rhapsody at his Swiss summer home, and its premiere saw the composer himself at the keyboard. The work's interplay between piano and orchestra creates a dialogue that is both intimate and grandiose. Attendees can expect a dynamic performance that showcases the orchestra's versatility and the soloist's virtuosity.