Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky: Passion and Fate

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra brings Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky: Passion and Fate to Powell Symphony Hall on Friday, November 6, with two more performances following on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. The program pairs two Russian heavyweights: Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, known as the Pathétique.

There's a nice contrast to the pairing. Rachmaninoff wrote the concerto as a teenager just starting to make a name for himself on the Russian music scene, so it's a piece of early ambition. Tchaikovsky's Pathétique is a different story entirely—it's still regarded as one of the most profound, intimate and moving orchestral works of all time. Together they cover a lot of ground, from a young composer finding his voice to one of the most emotionally heavy symphonies in the repertoire.

On the podium is conductor Stéphane Denève, and the piano part is handled by Daniil Trifonov. The whole thing is part of the SLSO's 147th season, so it's one of the bigger nights on their calendar this fall. If you're not a regular at the symphony, this is a good one to jump in with—both pieces are widely loved and the two composers are among the most recognizable names in classical music.

After the concert, there's the After Party, the orchestra's post-show hang in the lobby with drinks and a relaxed, modern vibe. It doesn't require an additional ticket, so you can stick around and talk about the music with other people before heading home. The Friday and Saturday performances are both at 7:30 PM, and the Sunday matinee is at 3:00 PM. Powell Symphony Hall is at 718 North Grand Blvd in Grand Center.