Press Release 3/23/12 | Rach Fest
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY PREPARES FOR RACH FEST APRIL 27-29 AND MAY 4-6
Special movie screening of “Shine” scheduled April 11 to promote two-weekend festival
(ST. LOUIS) – The St. Louis Symphony closes out its 2011-2012 season in grand fashion, with a two-weekend Rachmaninoff festival featuring renowned pianist Stephen Hough. April 27-29, Hough performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2. The following weekend he will play Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 3.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is respected, even a bit feared, by classically trained pianists the world over. It is the famed composition featured in the critically-acclaimed film Shine, the movie in which Geoffrey Rush won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Australian pianist David Helfgott. Helfgott suffered a nervous breakdown after performing Concerto No. 3 during a competition in London, and the film depicts his harrowing fall as well as his inspiring recovery.
To preview Rach Fest, the St. Louis Symphony is sponsoring a screening of Shine Wednesday, April 11 at 7pm at the Tivoli Theatre. There will be a brief panel discussion just prior to the movie’s start regarding the importance of Rachmaninoff No. 3 including:
- Peter Henderson, assistant professor of music at Maryville University and frequent pianist with the Saint Louis Symphony.
- Harper Barnes, legendary St. Louis film critic, editor and writer.
- Moderated by Eddie Silva, External Affairs and Publications Manager of the St. Louis Symphony.
The event is free but you must win passes. The St. Louis Symphony will be giving away passes via social media, e-blasts and various media partners. All pass holders who come to the screening will be entered to win a grand prize Rach Fest ticket package, complete with tickets to all three Rachmaninoff Concertos performed by Stephen Hough. The winner must be present at the screening to win.
To purchase tickets for Rach Fest, visit www.stlsymphony.org/rachfest or call 314-534-1700.
