Performers: ILONA DOMNICH Soprano, SHOLTO KYNOCH Pianist, MICHAEL WHITE Narrator

Everybody knows Rachmaninov, until you ask them and they realise they don't: he's an enigma. And the songs? You hear them and you're instantly won over, but with one or two exceptions they're a mystery to audiences who don't know Russian and have no idea how they connect with an extraordinary life. So... the Russian soprano Ilona Domnich (who starred as Tatiana in Grange Park Opera’s last Eugene Onegin), the pianist Sholto Kynoch and the critic and broadcaster Michael White have put together a words-and-music concert package that sets out to explain the connection.

A dramatic story that starts in Imperial Russia, ends in Beverley Hills, sweeps through old and new worlds, penniless exile, comfortless fame and asks searching questions along the way. Who was Rachmaninov, beyond the 6ft scowl he presented to Stravinsky? Why does he matter? What did he leave the future? And can a western world that hasn’t even reached agreement on how to spell his name ever come to terms with what his music is about?

This event is part of the Rye Arts Festival’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Venue Details:
The site will open at 6:30 pm and the bar will be open before the event. Please be aware this is an outdoor bar, which may be subject to closure by particularly inclement weather.

Rye Creative Centre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and offers disabled parking.
On-site parking is available and free for all event attendees.