The piano quintet is a powerhouse chamber ensemble, combining the sonic richness of a string quartet with the symphonic aura of grand piano. Inspired by Robert Schumann’s early example, composers from the early Romantic age all the way through the 21st century have contributed significantly to the genre. Russian master Anton Arensky, teacher of Rachmaninov, penned his sole quintet in his mature years, and ever-popular French composer Camille Saint-Saëns began his prolific chamber music career with this early quintet of surprising skill and maturity. Bracing violin duos by virtuosi of the Baroque and Classical eras serve as effervescent preludes.

Robert Spano conducts Rachmaninoff, Bernstein, and Theofanidis. The incomparable Stephen Hough, one of the greatest pianists of our time, returns to Athens with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Concerto, a dazzler combining ferocious pianism with Hollywood lyricism. ASO Music Director Laureate Robert Spano also makes a welcome return and shines a spotlight on the ASO brass in Leonard Bernstein’s tumultuous Jeremiah Symphony. Based on the Biblical prophet, this modern masterpiece also features the Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor.