Mystique & Wonder
Classics V
Mystique & Wonder
Embark on an exhilarating musical adventure filled with energy and storytelling. Pianist Ilya Yakushev returns to San Luis Obispo with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 3:00pm
Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
Concert Sponsored by Larry L. Hillblom Foundation, Inc., through the generosity of Jacqueline Johnson and Guest Artist Sponsored by Minke WinklerPrins in honor of Dr. Mairi Sewell and Allen Root
Program Details
BERLIOZ
Roman Carnival Overture
- Composed in 1844
- The overture has became one of Berlioz’s most popular orchestral works.
RACHMANINOV
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
featuring Ilya Yakushev, piano
- Composed in 1934
- Featured in the 1980 romantic film Somewhere in Time, serving as a central musical motif for the romance between the characters
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Scheherazade
- Composed in 1888
- Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, also known as The Arabian Nights.
Enhance Your Experience
Symphonic Foray — Pre-Concert Talk
- Join us at 2:00pm for a special Symphonic Forays
- Go behind the scenes with Maestro Sewell and special guests
- Learn more about the history of the music
- Free to all concert ticket holders
- Sponsored by Jill Anderson & Steven Jobst
Enjoy a special performance from the Academy Strings in the lobby at 2:30 PM.
Symphony in Bloom
Join us for the 2nd Annual Symphony in Bloom, our updated and upgraded annual fundraising event, to be held on the plaza at the Performing Arts Center. Dinner and auctions will immediately follow the concert. Tickets are on sale now! We will also draw the winning ticket for the Viking River Voyage Raffle!
No Ties Allowed
- Because of the matinee schedule, the No Ties Allowed open rehearsal will not be offered for this concert.
- Join us at a future No Ties Allowed event.
About Ilya Yakushev
“Mr. Yakushev can just do about anything he wants.” — The New York Times
Pianist Ilya Yakushev, with many awards and honors to his credit, continues to astound and mesmerize audiences at major venues on three continents.
The British label Nimbus Records released Yakushev’s CD, “Prokofiev Sonatas Vol. 1” CD. The American Record Guide wrote, “Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the public today, and it doesn’t seem to matter what repertoire he plays – it is all of the highest caliber.”
Ilya has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (New York), Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), and Sejong Performing Arts Center (Seoul, Korea), Great Philharmonic Hall (St. Petersburg), and Victoria Hall (Singapore). His performances with orchestra include those with the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Concert Orchestra, Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, Utah Symphony, and many others.
Salon Sessions at Anderson Social
Step into an unforgettable evening of music, wine, and ambiance at Anderson Social, featuring acclaimed pianist Ilya Yakushev. Tucked into the heart of Downtown SLO, Anderson Social is known for its intimate, European-inspired charm. More salon than concert hall, it’s a space designed for close listening and meaningful connection. With limited seating available, this recital offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class piano music up close.
The recital program includes:
- Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight”
- Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor
- George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Proceeds from this event benefit the SLO Symphony.
Access for All
At the SLO Symphony, we believe everyone deserves access to the inspiring experience of live music.
We’re excited to introduce a limited time program designed to make this concert more affordable and welcoming for our community. A select number of tickets are available for only $20 – no promo codes, discounts, or special steps required. These tickets are simply priced with accessibility in mind, so more of our community can experience this powerful performance. Availability is limited, and tickets will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This pilot program is made possible through the stewardship of our Board of Directors and thanks to generous donors.
Listen In
Enjoy this curated playlist of the concert program.