Pianist Boris Giltburg Joins Pacific Symphony For A Night Of Russian Classical Music

Making his first appearance with Pacific Symphony, Moscow-born Israeli pianist Boris Giltburg brings fresh dynamism to one of the world's best known, most popular and lyrical piano concertos-Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Giltburg's talents are highlighted in the middle of this program of Russian symphonic music, led by guest conductor Ben Gernon. The evening begins with the massive and sonorous "Russian" Overture by Sergei Prokofiev, and ends with Stravinsky's 1947 version of "Petrushka," a piece driven by its innate theatricality.

"Rach 2" takes place Thursday through Saturday, May 31 - June 2, at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $35-$131. A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit PacificSymphony.org.

Giltburg is lauded across the globe as a deeply sensitive, insightful and compelling interpreter. Critics have praised his "singing line, variety of touch and broad dynamic palette capable of great surges of energy" (The Washington Post), as well as his impassioned, narrative-driven approach to performance: "the interplay of spiritual calm and emphatic engagement is gripping, and one could not wish for a more illuminating, lyrical or more richly phrased interpretation" (Süddeutsche Zeitung). At home in repertoire ranging from Beethoven to Shostakovich, in recent years he has been increasingly recognized as a leading interpreter of Rachmaninoff: "His originality stems from a convergence of heart and mind, served by immaculate technique and motivated by a deep and abiding love for one of the 20th century's greatest composer-pianists" (Gramophone).

A gifted young rising conductor, Ben Gernon took up his position of Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2017-18 season, and he is one of the youngest conductors to have held a titled position with a BBC orchestra. Gernon made his debut with the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia and returned to the LA Philharmonic to make his debut at the Hollywood Bowl following his season as Dudamel Fellow in 2013-14, and in the summer of 2017 he made his debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. These performances mark Gernon's Pacific Symphony debut.