The only American to have ever won the International Chopin Competition, “famous for great sonority, though he never seems to be working very hard to produce it” (Seattle Times), pianist Garrick Ohlsson returns to Sun Valley with a recital program to be announced.

The Music Festival’s 40th Anniversary Season concludes with two blockbusters of the classical repertoire. Garrick Ohlsson handles the Herculean piano role in Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. At times nearly thundering and demonic, at other times sweetly lyrical and romantic, many consider this Rachmaninoff’s finest work for piano and orchestra. It’s hard to imagine any piece following it, but Respighi’s Pines of Rome is up to the challenge. Taking us along a geographic tour of Rome, the piece concludes with a triumphant Roman legion marching home along the Appian Way. The Pavilion will tremble under the audience’s feet!