Maestro Joseph Young kicks off the 40^th Anniversary Season as he takes the stage for his first appearance as guest conductor with National Philharmonic. Young balances a flourishing career with roles as Music Director of the Berkeley Symphony and Artistic Director of Ensembles at the Peabody Conservatory. His performances are such an experience, one audience member during his performance of Rhapsody in Blue said, “I don’t want to leave this room, because I don’t want to leave this feeling.”  (The Daily Californian).

You’ll experience more than just his magnetism firsthand in this Rachmaninoff concert. Young is joined by three virtuosic pianists known for their interpretations of the composer’s most beautiful compositions:

Oleg Volkov, who won critical acclaim for his work on Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, will dazzle you in this rousing performance of the piece on the Strathmore stage. 

Inon Barnatan, "a true poet of the keyboard," performs Rachmaninoff's renowned and deeply emotional Piano Concerto No. 2 (The Evening Standard).

Sergei Babayan has won many of the most prestigious international competitions, and has been described by French newspaper Le Devoir as a “genius." A known interpreter of Rachmaninoff’s works, The Boston Music Intelligencer called his version of Piano Concerto No. 3 “a sensitive, utterly thrilling performance." Now is your chance to experience his mastery of this Rachmaninoff classic in person.