Concert at The Apex to pay tribute to Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff

Known internationally for her “Composer Portraits”, pianist Lucy Parham (pictured above) is joined by actor Alex Jennings for “Elégie:Rachmaninoff – A Heart in Exile”, which chronicles the life of composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, at The Apex later this month.

The Russian-born composer was the last truly great Romantic composer/pianist of the 20th century.

Forced from his homeland by consequences of the Russian Revolution, he left Moscow for Sweden on an open sleigh, accompanied by his wife and two daughters and carrying nothing but a suitcase.

He was never to return – but he left his heart forever in Russia. His cultural identity and his longing for his homeland imbue his music, not least the many works he wrote for his own instrument, the piano.

As time went on, Rachmaninoff made numerous recordings and concert appearances, particularly in America (where he died in 1943).

Although he earned vast sums of money, he composed relatively little – a consequence of both his busy schedule and his homesickness: he seemed to have left part of his inspiration behind in Russia.

Shortly before he died, Rachmaninoff said, “I am a Russian composer, and the land of my birth has influenced my temperament and outlook”.

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth, Elégie chronicles the life of Rachmaninoff, scripted from letters and diaries by Lucy Parham and narrated by actor Alex Jennings (pictured above) known for his roles in “The Lady in the Van” and “The Crown”).

 The concert programme includes many of his best-loved works for solo piano, including a selection of Preludes, Etudes-Tableaux and Moments Musicaux, and the haunting Elégie, as well as works by Scriabin and Tchaikovsky.

“Elegie: Rachmaninoff – A Heart In Exile” is at The Apex on Sunday, November 19, at 7.30pm.

See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more information or to book tickets.