As a quintessential composer and legendary pianist, Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) gave his United States debut at Smith College in 1909. For the remainder of his illustrious career, he returned to Smith three times and performed in the John M. Greene Hall. In 1942, his cousin and sister-in-law Sophie Satin arrived at Smith as a research associate and later became a visiting associate professor of botany until her retirement in 1955.

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rachmaninoff’s birth, Smith College Music Department presents three concerts with all-Rachmaninoff programs featuring some celebrated solo piano works interspersed with lesser-known chamber and vocal works.

Curated by pianist Jiayan Sun, Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Chair for Performance Activities, these concerts will present distinguished guest artists including pianists Sergei Babayan and Melvin Chen, and cellist Ignacy Gaydamovich. The concerts will also feature Smith faculty artists and twelve student pianists.