Ural Philharmonic Orchestra launches Rachmaninoff-focused Russian tour in 2026
The Ural Philharmonic Orchestra will embark on a major Russian tour in April 2026. Backed by the Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast and the Ural Philharmonic Charitable Foundation, the ensemble will perform in four cities. Pianist Nikolai Lugansky, a long-time collaborator, will join them for key concerts featuring Rachmaninoff's music. The tour opens in Yekaterinburg with a programme dedicated to Sergei Rachmaninoff. Lugansky, who has worked with the orchestra for over 25 years, will take the stage as soloist. Their partnership has included performances at top venues like Vienna's Musikverein, Paris Philharmonie, and London's Royal Festival Hall between 2021 and 2025.
Two days later, on April 3, the orchestra travels to Tambov for the Rachmaninoff Festival. From there, they head to Moscow's Tchaikovsky Concert Hall on April 4. The final stop is St. Petersburg on April 6, where Dmitry Masleev—another frequent collaborator—will perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2. Masleev previously toured with the ensemble during their Siberian concerts in earlier years. Rachmaninoff's compositions have long been central to the orchestra's repertoire. Recent performances include a 2019 European tour and a 2023 programme, both featuring the composer's works.
The tour marks another milestone in the orchestra's history of promoting Russian classical music. With Lugansky and Masleev as soloists, audiences will hear Rachmaninoff's masterpieces across four cities. The concerts also highlight the ensemble's ongoing support from regional and charitable backers.
