Sunday Classics: Russian Philharmonic of Novosibirsk at Usher Hall

YouTube sensation Valentina Lisitsa is nothing less than a modern marvel. A brilliant pianist of the Russian old school who plays with fiery intensity and profound insight. And a musical evangelist who has taken classical music to millions through her online videos. No wonder shes in demand right across the world: her unprecedented global stardom is matched by her breathtaking playing.Lisitsa has long adored the romance and power of Rachmaninov, and following her electrifying performance of his Third Piano Concerto at the Usher Hall in 2018, she makes a welcome return with the passionate Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Rachmaninov at his tenderest, and his wittiest.Shes joined by the remarkable Russian Philharmonic of Novosibirsk, Russias third largest city. Considered cultural ambassadors for Siberia, and for the whole of Russia, they are directed by Principal Conductor Thomas Sanderling, himself from an eminent musical lineage.After the interval, join Sanderling and his orchestra to discover the kaleidoscopic wonders of Mussorgskys spectacular Pictures at an Exhibition. Expect to meet gnomes, chicks chirruping inside their eggs, and a terrifying Russian witch, and to voyage from skeleton-strewn catacombs to one of the glories of Russian architecture.To open the concert, an explosion of Spanish colour in Rimsky-Korsakovs sparkling showpiece Capriccio espagnol.Sunday Classics: Russian Philharmonic of Novosibirsk3:00pm, Sunday 12 May 2019Thomas Sanderling - ConductorValentina Lisitsa - Piano Rimsky-Korsakov - Capriccio espagnolRachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniMussorgsky - Pictures at an ExhibitionTickets available at www.usherhall.co.uk/sunday-classics