Rachmaninoff 150th Anniversary Celebration, Jeong Hanbin & Jo Jaehyuk 'Two Pianos'

Rachmaninoff Highlighted Through Unique Chamber Music

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninoff's birth, pianists Jeong Hanbin and Jo Jaehyuk, known for their distinctive activities, are preparing a special stage.

Pianists Jeong Hanbin and Jo Jaehyuk 'Two Pianos'.
[Photo by In Arts Production]

The two pianists will present the 'Two Pianos' concert, which allows a more detailed look into Rachmaninoff's inner world through a two-piano arrangement, on April 21 at Lotte Concert Hall.

Before being a composer, Rachmaninoff was an outstanding pianist. In this concert, audiences can experience his Suites No. 1 and 2 for two pianos, composed during his youth. They will also perform the piano duo version of the second movement of the 'Symphonic Dances,' considered a masterpiece of Rachmaninoff's late orchestral works, as well as Rachmaninoff's Romance arranged by Russian composer Chigankov.

The most notable pieces in this concert are the piano duo versions of several songs, including Rachmaninoff's 'Lilac.' The pianists secured the sheet music with difficulty by directly contacting the arranger Chigankov, promising a special performance.

The two pianists, performing together for the first time, share many similarities. Jo Jaehyuk, an accomplished mid-career pianist, organist, and music commentator excelling in various fields, and Jeong Hanbin, a popular pianist and music commentator who has won several international competitions, plan to present a fresh stage through this concert.

This concert is the first of three chamber music series prepared by the performance planning company InArts Production to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninoff's birth.

On May 26, at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, soprano Seo Seonyeong, baritone Lee Donghwan, and pianist Han Sangil will present 'The Romance.' On September 1, at Lotte Concert Hall, violinist Kim Jiyeon, cellist Song Younghun, and pianist Jo Jaehyuk will perform 'Trio In.'