Widely considered one of the premier composers of all time, Sergei Rachmaninoff left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the twentieth century. His extensive list of compositions includes four piano concertos and The Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Works for piano solo include Prelude in C-sharp minor, Études-Tableaux, Six moments musicaux the Variations on a Theme of Chopin, and the Variations on a Theme of Corelli. Rachmaninoff’s enduring musical legacy is celebrated to this day in the form of the RACHFEST 2017 International Festival, a ten day event showcasing musical competition, art, and ultimately commemorating the man who helped inspire it all.
RACHFEST 2017 represents the first ever international music festival to be presented in Glendale. A major programming highlight will be the Rachmaninoff International Piano competition for young pianists from around the world. Competitors will vie for cash prizes of over $25,000, and finalists will have the opportunity to compete at the Alex Theater.
Additionally, the festival will include an art exhibition featuring several prominent contemporary artists from Armenia provided courtesy of the Artists Union of Armenia. The program will also include the premier performance in the US of a choral concert by the National Chamber Choir of Armenia, and a symphonic concert featuring music of Armenian composers.
The RACHEST 2017 Festival project is presented by International Competitions and Festivals, Inc. (ICF) in collaboration and support of the Glendale Arts and the Visual and Performing Arts Division of the Glendale Community College.
Previously RACHFEST events have been held in both Pasadena and Los Angeles.
Since 1999 ICF presented several major international events in greater Los Angeles area. Among them Six International Piano Symposiums (at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Azusa University and at the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles), Aram Khachaturian Ballet "Spartacus" with world famous choreographer Yury Grigorovich and his Ballet company, "Nutcracker" ballet by Bolshoi Ballet Academy, three Rachmaninoff International Piano Competitions and Festivals and several concerts and master classes by world renowned musicians.
ICF is a nonprofit corporation and in order to ensure the success of this festivalin Glendale it needs a number of volunteers in different areas.Among these are host families for the international participants, administrative help, sponsors for prizes etc.
For further information on the progress and plans for the RACHFEST 2017 International Festival, please contact International Competitions and Festivals at (626) 888-2103 or by email: info@rachfest.org.