Karina Canellakis, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir - Rachmaninoff: The Bells & Symphonic Dances (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. The Bells, Op. 35: I. Allegro, ma non tanto
02. The Bells, Op. 35: II. Lento
03. The Bells, Op. 35: III. Presto
04. The Bells, Op. 35: IV. Lento lugubre
05. Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: I. Non Allegro
06. Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: II. Andante con moto (Tempo di Valse)
07. Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace

SPARKLING BELLS AND EXUBERANT DANCES: KARINA CANELLAKIS RENDERS IN SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL COLOURS

The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Netherlands Radio Choir, under Chief Conductor Karina Canellakis, present Rachmaninoff: The Bells & Symphonic Dances, a powerful and deeply expressive interpretation of these late masterpieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff. In The Bells, radiant choral textures and richly coloured orchestration trace a journey from youthful shimmer and lyrical warmth to ominous tolling, overwhelming drama and a final vision of serene transcendence. The outstanding soloists - Dmytro Popov, Kristina Mkhitaryan and Alexander Vinogradov - bring vocal brilliance and emotional depth, while the choir illuminates the text with clarity and a glowing, golden sound. In Symphonic Dances, rhythmic vitality and earthy drive give way to moments of nostalgia and introspection, culminating in a bold and exhilarating finale that captures the composer’s unmistakable voice in his final orchestral work.

Internationally acclaimed for her emotionally charged performances, technical command and interpretative depth, Canellakis has become one of the most in-demand conductors of her generation. She returns to PENTATONE as Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, further expanding a recording partnership that began with GRAMMY-nominated Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (2023) and continued with Bartók: Duke Bluebeard’s Castle (2025).