World Premiere Arrangement of Rachmaninoff Concerto Debuts at Romanza Festivale
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (April 16, 2025) – Experience the world premiere of a unique ensemble arrangement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 at “Rach 2 by 6,” the Grand Finale performance of St. Augustine’s Romanza Festivale of Music & the Arts. With the serene sanctuary of the historic Ancient City Baptist Church as a backdrop, a sextet of musicians will bring to life a program featuring the works of César Franck, George Gershwin, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. “Rach 2 by 6” is on May 18th from 5pm to 6:30pm.
“These are incredibly powerful pieces of music that have the ability to move an audience,” says Kathleen Vande Berg, Romanza Board Member. “They’re also familiar, so a new arrangement is exciting yet recognizable. And we’re so fortunate to have Dr. Keith Teepen at Flagler College to bring this dynamic performance to Romanza Festivale.”
Performers include Pianist Keith Teepen, who serves as Tom Kenan Assistant Professor of Piano at Flagler College; violinists Vinicius Sant’Ana and Kimberly Zielinski; violist Hannah Barrow; cellist Brittany Maroney; and timpanist Anthony Cananzi, Jr. The program will open with César Franck’s “Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano,” followed by selections from George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” transcribed for violin and piano by Thierry Huillet. The program comes to a rousing finale with the world premiere arrangement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18.” Lauded as an epic work of genius, it is one of the most beloved pieces in the piano repertoire. Usually performed as a symphonic piece, this iteration of Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece is performed as a six-piece chamber ensemble. Tickets for “Rach 2 by 6” may be purchased here. Guests can save $10 per ticket using promo code ROMANZA through May 12.
Romanza Festivale of Music & the Arts is a seventeen-day festival beginning May 2, 2025, featuring over 40 events with talent from the world of music, dance, visual arts, theatre, spoken word, and more. The calendar features many free events, along with select ticketed experiences, held at venues throughout St. Augustine. Other headliner events are the acclaimed Svetlana and the New York Collective, performing their hit concert, “Night at the Movies; “An Evening with Mozart” with The San Marco Chamber Players; and The Beaux Arts Chamber Ensemble performing Piano Trios. These are anchored by shows featuring talented performers from across Northeast Florida. For a full events list, visit here.
ABOUT ROMANZA: Since 2009, Romanza has worked to promote and produce cultural events that showcase St. Augustine’s vibrant living culture, enhance the quality of life for residents, and create a positive, lasting impression of the Nation’s Oldest City for visitors. Romanza Festivale is funded in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council. Romanza produces the award-winning Romanza Festivale, St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, and St. Augustine’s historic St. Patrick Parade, as well as Romanza Collage Concert Series and Romanza Gatherings. High-resolution photos can be found here. Learn more at romanzastaugustine.org and follow along on social media @RomanzaStAugustine
