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
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
Symphony in Bloom
Join us for the 2nd Annual Symphony in Bloom, our updated and upgraded annual fundraising event, to be held at the Performing Arts Center. Cocktails, dinner, and silent and live auctions will immediately follow the concert. Tickets will go on sale soon!
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.
Listen In
Enjoy this curated playlist of the concert program.