Rachmaninoff International Orchestra
Mikhail Pletnev

Rachmaninoff International Orchestra

Born of a singular moment in history, the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra embodies the vision of its founder, Mikhail Pletnev, and his commitment to dismantling barriers through the universal language of music.

Like its namesake – composer, pianist, and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff – the RIO is dedicated to the highest standards of performance and artistic expression.

Composed of preeminent musicians from Eastern and Western Europe, the RIO’s forthcoming recordings and performances draw from the wide breadth of classical repertoire, with a focus on the Romantic and modern composers whose works have been the hallmark of Mikhail Pletnev’s celebrated interpretations.

Rachmaninoff International Orchestra Unites Musicians from Eastern and Western Europe.

The Foundation for Global Arts, the nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering international understanding through the arts, is pleased to announce its support of the newly formed Rachmaninoff International Orchestra (RIO).

Founded by pianist, conductor, and composer Mikhail Pletnev, the RIO is composed of preeminent musicians from Eastern and Western Europe.

“Mikhail Pletnev has deepened his commitment to artistic freedom with his founding of the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra,” said Sergey Markov, RIO General Manager. “The orchestra has a vital role to play in bridging divides and inspiring peace through the universal language of music.”

The name of the orchestra was inspired by composer, pianist, and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff, an artist who loved his country but left and did not return due to the political forces in his homeland. Like Rachmaninoff, the RIO is dedicated to the highest standards of performance and artistic expression.

The musicians of the RIO recently gathered in Bratislava, Slovakia for their debut recording under Pletnev’s baton – a suite from Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Carmen Suite by Rodion Shchedrin, in honor of his 90th birthday this year. Forthcoming recordings include the piano concertos and symphonies of Sergei Rachmaninoff, in celebration of his 150th birthday in 2023.

Mikhail Pletnev

Mikhail Pletnev is one of the most respected and influential artists of our era. His prodigious talent as a pianist, conductor, and composer has earned widespread acclaim ever since the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition, where he won First Prize at the age of 21. An invitation to perform at a 1988 diplomatic summit in Washington led to Pletnev’s friendship with Mikhail Gorbachev and a lifelong commitment to dismantling barriers through the universal language of music.

In 1990, Pletnev formed the Russian National Orchestra – the first independent orchestra in Russia’s history. Under his leadership, the RNO achieved recognition as one of the world’s great orchestras. Over thirty years later, Pletnev has renewed his commitment to artistic freedom with his founding of the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra, named after the celebrated pianist, conductor, and composer whose own career inspired audiences from all corners of the globe.

Pletnev’s performances and recordings have shown him to be an outstanding interpreter of an extensive repertoire, both as pianist and conductor. His recordings have earned numerous prizes, including a Grammy Award, the Diapason d’Or, ECHO Klassik Award, Choc du Monde de la musique, and a Gramophone Award.

Pianist, conductor, composer and cultural leader — all are significant facets of Mikhail Pletnev’s remarkable life. Yet with his characteristic humility, he insists that he is, simply, a musician.

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Reviews

Diapason Article (PDF)

RTBF Article (PDF)

Scenes Magazine Article Oct 23 (PDF)

Scenes Magazine Article Sept 23 (PDF)

Crescendo Magazine Article (PDF)

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