Sergei Rachmaninov - The Bells; Symphonic Dances (Karina Canellakis)

Information

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov

• The Bells, Op. 35
• Symphonic Dances, Op. 45

Kristina Mkhitaryan, soprano

Dmytro Popov, tenor

Alexander Vinogradov, bass

Netherlands Radio Choir & Philharmonic Orchestra

Karina Canellakis, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Pentatone

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Led by Chief Conductor Karina Canellakis, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir deliver a powerful, deeply expressive interpretation of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s late orchestral masterpieces. In The Bells, exceptional soloists Dmytro Popov, Kristina Mkhitaryan, and Alexander Vinogradov join a glowing, articulate chorus to navigate a brilliant emotional trajectory from lyrical warmth to dramatic, ominous tolling. This is paired with a rhythmically vital yet introspective reading of Symphonic Dances. Marking Canellakis’s third major collaboration on the PENTATONE label, this release showcases her signature interpretive depth and further cements her status as one of today's most compelling conductors.

Karina Canellakis, born and raised in New York City, is an internationally acclaimed conductor recognized for her dynamic artistry and expressive insight. Winner of the 2016 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, she has led many of the world’s foremost orchestras, including those of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and major European ensembles such as the Bavarian Radio, Orchestre de Paris, London Symphony, Vienna Symphony, and Leipzig Gewandhaus. Formerly Principal Guest Conductor of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, she served as Artist-in-Residence at Vienna’s Musikverein in 2023–24. Upcoming engagements include debuts with the Vienna Philharmonic, Staatsoper Hamburg, and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.