Rachmaninov by Candlelight

Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight, set within the awe-inspiring beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. This special evening offers a rare opportunity to hear one of the most evocative and emotionally rich works in the piano repertoire — Sergei Rachmaninov’s Preludes, Op. 23.

Written in the early years of the 20th century, these ten preludes showcase the full expressive range of the piano, from quiet introspection to thunderous passion. Each prelude is a miniature world, revealing Rachmaninov’s unique blend of lyricism, virtuosity, and deeply felt emotion. The programme will also include the iconic Prelude in C-sharp minor, a powerful and dramatic early work that first brought the composer international fame.

Performed by acclaimed concert pianist Ashley Fripp, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of reflection and musical intensity — a compelling counterpoint to the clarity and structure of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, with the lush Romanticism of Rachmaninov resounding under the vaulted ceilings of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic spaces.

Featuring
Ashley Fripp (piano)

Programme
Rachmaninov – Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 2
Rachmaninov – Preludes, Op. 23

About the Artist
British pianist Ashley Fripp has performed extensively as recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and Australia in many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. Highlights include the Carnegie Hall (New York), Musikverein (Vienna), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), the Philharmonie halls of Cologne, Paris, Luxembourg and Warsaw, the Bozar (Brussels), the Royal Festival, Barbican and Wigmore Halls (London), the Laeiszhalle (Hamburg), Palace of Arts (Budapest), the Megaron (Athens), Konzerthaus Dortmund, the Gulbenkian Auditorium (Lisbon) and the Konserthus (Stockholm).