Orchestra to present "Rachmaninov Reverie" on Nov. 1

Published Saturday, October 24, 2026

A performance by the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra

The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra (SMO), with Music Director Dr. Daniel Rieppel, will present Rachmaninoff Reverie: Vocalise, Symphonic Dances & Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Denis Evstuhin on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. in the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts at the Marshall High School located across Highway 19 from Southwest Minnesota State University.

The concert celebrates the music of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), whose lush melodies, emotional depth, and virtuosic writing have made him one of the most beloved composers of the Romantic era. The program features three of his most celebrated works, spanning the breadth of his career.

Concertgoers will hear Vocalise, one of Rachmaninoff's most recognizable melodies; Symphonic Dances, his final major composition and a colorful orchestral masterpiece; and the legendary Piano Concerto No. 3, renowned for its technical brilliance and expressive power. Widely considered one of the greatest challenges in the piano repertoire, the concerto combines dazzling virtuosity with soaring lyricism and has captivated audiences for more than a century.

Russian-born pianist Denis Evstuhin is internationally recognized for his expressive artistry, rich tone, and outstanding virtuosity. He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Sioux City Symphony, and Fairbanks Symphony, and has performed in renowned venues throughout Russia, Europe, and the United States.

A prizewinner in numerous international piano competitions, Evstuhin holds advanced degrees from the St. Petersburg Conservatory and the University of Minnesota. In addition to his performing career, he is the founder and music curator of the acclaimed classical music series at The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis.

"This program showcases Rachmaninoff at his most lyrical, dramatic, and exhilarating," said the orchestra's music director, Dr. Daniel Rieppel. "We're thrilled to welcome Denis Evstuhin for a performance of one of the most beloved and challenging piano concertos ever written."

Founded in 1978, the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra serves communities throughout the region by bringing high-quality orchestral performances to southwestern Minnesota. Comprised of professional musicians, educators, students, and dedicated community members, the orchestra enriches the cultural life of the region while providing performance and educational opportunities for audiences of all ages.

Join us as the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra presents Rachmaninoff Reverie on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, SMSU, 400 Tiger Drive, Marshall. Cost of admission is $15 for adults, $5 students, and $30 family.

For more information, visit https://www.southwestminnesotaorchestra.org/ or contact the SMSU Department of Fine Arts & Communication at 507-537-7103.