Rachmaninoff in Israel and Suzhou
Xu Zhong × Yingdi Sun
Haifa Symphony Orchestra · Haifa, Israel · May 5–6, 2019
Suzhou Symphony Orchestra · Jinji Lake Concert Hall, Suzhou · May 25, 2019
Overview
Following their successful collaboration in Israel, conductor Xu Zhong and pianist Yingdi Sun reunited in Suzhou to perform two of Rachmaninoff’s most iconic works — the Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30and the Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44.
Presented as part of the Suzhou Industrial Park 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert, this performance marked the continuation of a shared artistic journey between two leading Chinese musicians who have both studied and worked extensively in Europe, bringing an international sensibility to Rachmaninoff’s deeply Russian sound world.
Program
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30
I. Allegro ma non tanto
II. Intermezzo: Adagio
III. Finale: Alla breve
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio ma non troppo – Allegro vivace
III. Allegro
Artists
Conductor — Zhong Xu
Renowned pianist and conductor, Music Director of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and Suzhou Symphony Orchestra. His refined musicianship and commanding presence on the podium have established him as one of the most prominent Chinese conductors on the international stage.
Piano — Yingdi Sun
Gold Medalist of the 7th International Franz Liszt Piano Competition (Utrecht, 2005), Sun is celebrated for his profound expressivity and technical brilliance. His interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 was praised for its architectural clarity and emotional sincerity, balancing virtuosity with poetic restraint.
Notes