No. 4 — Rachmaninoff × Brahms
Yingdi Sun × Qiyuan Zhu × Chengdu Symphony Orchestra
A Season Concert of Two Final Masterpieces
Overview
Under the poetic title “No. 4”, this concert by the Chengdu Symphony Orchestra brings together two of the greatest “last works” in the symphonic and concerto repertoire — Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor, Op. 40 and Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98.
To mark the 150th anniversary of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s birth and the 190th anniversary of Johannes Brahms’s, pianist Yingdi Sun joins conductor Qiyuan Zhu and the Chengdu Symphony Orchestra to explore these two monumental reflections on farewell, resilience, and artistic culmination.
Rachmaninoff’s Fourth Piano Concerto—his final work in the genre—was composed over nearly three decades (1914–1941) and stands as one of his most introspective creations. Initially misunderstood, it has since been re-evaluated as a bridge between Romantic lyricism and modern harmonic freedom, revealing the composer’s struggle to reconcile past and present, nostalgia and renewal.
In parallel, Brahms’s Symphony No. 4, written in 1884–85, represents a master’s summation of classical architecture and romantic emotion. Its finale, a grand passacaglia, stands among the most intellectually and spiritually powerful endings in the symphonic literature.
Program
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Minor, Op. 40
I. Allegro vivace
II. Largo
III. Allegro vivace
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98
I. Allegro non troppo
II. Andante moderato
III. Allegro giocoso
IV. Allegro energico e passionato
Artists
Piano | Yingdi Sun
Winner of the 7th International Franz Liszt Piano Competition, Yingdi Sun is renowned for his commanding technique and deep musical insight. His interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Liszt, and Brahms are acclaimed for blending structural clarity with emotional warmth.
Conductor | Qiyuan Zhu
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Sichuan Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, Zhu Qiyuan was born in Shanghai and educated in the United States under maestro David Zinman. Known for his refined style and expressive control, he has led major orchestras across China, Europe, and America. He also serves as Artistic Director of the Sino-Russian Symphony Orchestra of Harbin Conservatory of Music.
Chengdu Symphony Orchestra
One of the leading professional ensembles in Southwest China, the Chengdu Symphony Orchestra continues to present rich and innovative seasonal programs, connecting international artistry with the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Venue
Chengdu City Concert Hall · Concert Hall