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Igudesman & Joo in Taggenbrunn on te%
Related show
- Artist: Igudesman & Joo
- Tour: And Now Rachmaninoff
- Date: September 22, 2023
- Time: 8:00pm
- Venue: Burg Taggenbrunn
- City: Taggenbrunn
- Country: Austria
- Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal
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Rachmaninoff Will Survive

For millions of fans, Igudesman & Joo is…
…synonymous with Rachmaninoff, thanks to their viral hit “Rachmaninoff Had Big Hands”. Now the duo symphonically and rhapsodically celebrate their hero while achieving the impossible by making his epic Piano Concerto No.2 even more epic through reuniting all the songs this concerto spawned sung by legends such as Frank Sinatra and Céline Dion. “Rachmaninov by Himself” honors Eric Carmen’s own tribute to Rachmaninov, where loneliness is so infectious that the whole orchestra breaks down in tears.
In “Flight of the Bumble Hornet”, Igudesman & Joo respectfully arrange Rachmaninoff’s arrangement of Rimsky-Korsakov’s classic and turn the orchestra into green hornets and buzzing bees! The autobiographical humorous song “They Call Me Sergei” pictures the composer’s hardships and “Everyone is here” anticipates the inseparable trio Igudesman & Joo and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
“Rachmaninoff Will Survive” is a show that can fit just as easily into any regular orchestral subscription series or serve to celebrate those special festive occasions, such as Carnival, New Year, or even April Fool’s Day. After all, Rachmaninoff was born on April Fool’s Day- (April 1st, 1873)- and that is no joke. It is a show that will the audience feeling, as best described in the words spoken by Marilyn Monroe from the movie The Seven Year Itch:
“Every time I hear Rachmaninoff I go to pieces” It shakes me, it quakes me. It makes me feel goose-pimply all over. Don’t stop, don’t stop! Don’t ever stop!”
Igudesman & Joo have no plans to stop with Rachmaninoff at their side.
Prior to our thanksgiving concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Manfred Honeck and the dynamic duo Igudesman and Joo, there was much scepticism within the organization as to how the orchestra and audience would react. However, our minds were put at ease the minute they arrived! They were incredibly professional, obviously very talented, and provided a breath of fresh air for the orchestra and PSO staff. It was such a joy to have them with us, and we received such great feedback from our patrons and the musicians that we immediately reinvited them to join us for a special concert with the orchestra the following year!
Bob Moir
Senior VP Artistic Planning - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Joyce Chiou
Executive Director, Taiwan Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
“What makes the slapstick duo so original is not that they turn classical music culture upside-down and inside out, but that they never mess with the music itself, treating that with not just respect, but with astonishing virtuosity.”
Dick O’Riordan
Sunday Business Post, Ireland
Upcoming shows RACHMANINOFF WILL SURVIVE
No shows booked for this tour at the moment.
And Now Rachmaninoff

Igudesman & Joo and Rachmaninoff make up a trio that…
…unbeknownst to Sergei, have been married at the hip for two decades. In fact, for many millions, Rachmaninoff is synonymous with Igudesman & Joo.
Rachmaninoff is arguably the composer who has transcended most into popular culture over any other classical composer. Just take into account that his music was turned into songs sung by Frank Sinatra, how his name and music caused Marilyn Monroe to ecstatically swoon in one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, and think how many hearts have cried listening to Céline Dion belting out, All by Myself, Bridget Jones included, and then you begin to feel his overwhelming impact. Even video gamers playing Gran Turismo will have been swept away by his music.
But if all that was not enough for Rachmaninoff to hit the all-time high on the Internet, enter Igudesman & Joo with one of their first musical skits, Rachmaninoff Had Big Hands– a performance of Rachmaninoff’s most famous Prelude in C# minor using pieces of wood, to play difficult chords, thrown and acrobatically caught in the air all while the music continues seamlessly.
“And Now Rachmaninoff”, the show, not only promises the return of the “Big Hands” and other classics of the duo’s penmanship that involve the Russian giant, such as Rachmaninoff by Himself, but also new mash-ups and songs that will include They Call Me Sergei– a humorous autobiographical song about the composer’s hardships, and more recent numbers such as Staying at Home, blending the music of the Bee Gees with Rachmaninoff, a number that is painfully ironic, since Rachmaninoff had to leave his home of Russia in 1917 never to return again.
Rachmaninoff, besides being a master composer and pianist, was also a master arranger, and Igudesman & Joo lovingly borrow two transcriptions by Rachmaninoff- Liebesleid and Liebesfreud– which he himself lovingly borrowed from his violinist friend, Fritz Kreisler. And if there are any skeptics out there who think that Rachmaninoff has no humor, when Rachmaninoff and Kreisler were playing in Carnegie Hall, Kreisler lost his place in the music, and when he turned to his companion in a cold sweat and asked, “Where are we, Sergei?”, Rachmaninoff’s cool reply was, “Carnegie Hall”.
It is no wonder that Igudesman & Joo, who have embraced failure as their mantra for success, hail Rachmaninoff, who totally collapsed after being devastated by failure, and yet rose from the ashes to write some of the world’s greatest music ever, as one of their titanic heroes.
Their previous shows, “And Now Mozart” had no Mozart in it, whereas “And Now Beethoven” has Für Elise all over it, but “And Now Rachmaninoff”, will leave you feeling, as described in the words spoken by Marilyn Monroe:
“Every time I hear Rachmaninoff I go to pieces” It shakes me, it quakes me. It makes me feel goose-pimply all over. Don’t stop, don’t stop! Don’t ever stop!”
Igudesman & Joo have no plans to stop with Rachmaninoff at their side.
Prior to our thanksgiving concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Manfred Honeck and the dynamic duo Igudesman and Joo, there was much scepticism within the organization as to how the orchestra and audience would react. However, our minds were put at ease the minute they arrived! They were incredibly professional, obviously very talented, and provided a breath of fresh air for the orchestra and PSO staff. It was such a joy to have them with us, and we received such great feedback from our patrons and the musicians that we immediately reinvited them to join us for a special concert with the orchestra the following year!
Bob Moir
Senior VP Artistic Planning - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Joyce Chiou
Executive Director, Taiwan Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
“What makes the slapstick duo so original is not that they turn classical music culture upside-down and inside out, but that they never mess with the music itself, treating that with not just respect, but with astonishing virtuosity.”
Dick O’Riordan
Sunday Business Post, Ireland
Next Dates for AND NOW RACHMANINOFF
No shows booked for this tour at the moment.
Hyung-ki Joo in Wien on te%
Related show
- Artist: Hyung-ki Joo
- Tour: Wiener Konzertvereinigung
- Date: June 9, 2022
- Time: 7:30pm
- Venue: Konzerthaus
- City: Wien
- Country: Austria
- Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal
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Igudesman & Joo in Cleveland, OH on te%
Related show
- Artist: Igudesman & Joo
- Tour: Play it Again
- Date: July 28, 2022
- Time: 7:30pm
- Venue: Hanna Theatre
- City: Cleveland, OH
- Country: United States
- Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal
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Igudesman & Joo in Debrecen on te%
Related show
- Artist: Igudesman & Joo
- Tour: Play it Again
- Date: April 27, 2022
- Time: 7:30pm
- Venue: Kölcsey Centre
- City: Debrecen
- Country: Hungary
- Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal
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Guide to the Orchestra

A curious customer walks into a shop…
…where the sounds of an orchestra are playing. Upon finally getting the shopkeeper’s attention, the customer asks:
– “I would love to be part of an orchestra.”
– “You’ve come to the right place.”
– “Which instrument would you like to play?”
– “Which one do you recommend?”
– “Ah, well, for that we have to go back to the beginning!”
– “Back to the beginning of the orchestra?”
– “No, back to the beginning of everything!
And so the Shopkeeper begins his fascinating guide to each and every instrument of the orchestra from its invention to its inclusion in the symphony. Along this time travelling journey, as each instrument is unveiled, we also discover about its historical context. Did you know that flutes used to be made of mammoth bone and vulture wings? Or that timpani used to be played on horses? And is it a coincidence that cellos were made fatter than violins just around the same time as chocolate was brought over to Europe from Mexico?
Packed with original music to showcase each instrument, well-researched historical facts, and the trademark goofiness of Igudesman & Joo, audiences and listeners of all ages will feel inspired to discover more about the orchestra.
And so the Shopkeeper begins his fascinating guide to each and every instrument of the orchestra from its invention to its inclusion in the symphony. Along this time travelling journey, as each instrument is unveiled, we also discover about its historical context. Did you know that flutes used to be made of mammoth bone and vulture wings? Or that timpani used to be played on horses? And is it a coincidence that cellos were made fatter than violins just around the same time as chocolate was brought over to Europe from Mexico?
Packed with original music to showcase each instrument, well-researched historical facts, and the trademark goofiness of Igudesman & Joo, audiences and listeners of all ages will feel inspired to discover more about the orchestra.
The piece was commissioned and given its world premiere by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich for their 150th Anniversary Celebration Concert.
Prior to our thanksgiving concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Manfred Honeck and the dynamic duo Igudesman and Joo, there was much scepticism within the organization as to how the orchestra and audience would react. However, our minds were put at ease the minute they arrived! They were incredibly professional, obviously very talented, and provided a breath of fresh air for the orchestra and PSO staff. It was such a joy to have them with us, and we received such great feedback from our patrons and the musicians that we immediately reinvited them to join us for a special concert with the orchestra the following year!
Bob Moir
Senior VP Artistic Planning - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Joyce Chiou
Executive Director, Taiwan Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
“What makes the slapstick duo so original is not that they turn classical music culture upside-down and inside out, but that they never mess with the music itself, treating that with not just respect, but with astonishing virtuosity.”
Dick O’Riordan
Sunday Business Post, Ireland
Next Dates for GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA
No shows booked for this tour at the moment.
Mambo Jambo

Mambo Jambo is truly a royal pleasure…
…highlighting the diverse abilities of all our musical royalties and bringing music from different genres into action!
IGUDESMAN & JOO, dubbed by The Los Angeles Times as “the kings of classical music comedy” join forces with two queens of musical virtuosity to create a royal musical jam filled with fruity pieces, such as “Mambo” from Bernstein’s West Side Story. As well as music by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Chick Corea, Sting, Georg Kreisler, and IGUDESMAN & JOO.
The dazzling queen of percussion Lucy Landymore, best known for her performances with Hans Zimmer, brings good vibes to the mix with her vibraphone and other exotic percussion instruments.
Yu Horiuchi, better known as the queen of the piano, brings in her incomparable soulful voice and art of acting, which even IGUDESMAN & JOO cannot resist.
Prior to our thanksgiving concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Manfred Honeck and the dynamic duo Igudesman and Joo, there was much scepticism within the organization as to how the orchestra and audience would react. However, our minds were put at ease the minute they arrived! They were incredibly professional, obviously very talented, and provided a breath of fresh air for the orchestra and PSO staff. It was such a joy to have them with us, and we received such great feedback from our patrons and the musicians that we immediately reinvited them to join us for a special concert with the orchestra the following year!
Bob Moir
Senior VP Artistic Planning - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Joyce Chiou
Executive Director, Taiwan Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)
“What makes the slapstick duo so original is not that they turn classical music culture upside-down and inside out, but that they never mess with the music itself, treating that with not just respect, but with astonishing virtuosity.”
Dick O’Riordan
Sunday Business Post, Ireland
Upcoming shows
No shows booked for this tour at the moment.
Happy Concert

Happiness. Is that not what we are all looking for?
Well, look no further because Igudesman & Joo are serving happiness on a silver orchestral platter for you. Each serving of music comes with a boost of happiness that will leave you immunised against all the problems of the world- well at least for a good seventy minutes or so. Here is a selection of happy delights that await you.
Joyful Variations
An electrifying set of variations for symphony orchestra and soloists on themes from the ninth Symphony. Each variation is treated with a national flair and cultural pizzazz from nine different countries, taking one on a musical kaleidoscopic journey that goes around the globe from Bonn to Boston and back.
This piece takes Beethoven’s and Schiller’s motto of all humans being brothers and sisters and sends it to travel around the world. Think ‘Beethoven on the road’. The percussion section are the heroes of this piece and are featured in a way that has probably never been done before in a symphonic work. The journey starts in the concert hall and then, with no travel restrictions, jets off making nine stops in Asia, Ireland, the Middle East, Spain, Eastern Europe, Africa, North America, South America and back to your very own seat. You may even be asked to leave your seat and join the musicians on stage to dance to Beethoven’s 9th in Salsa style! All abiding with social distancing guidelines of course.
So, bring your passport, boarding passes, and carry-on, and enjoy the sensational ride.
Happy
And to top off your happy meal of musical fun, Igudesman & Joo perform arguably the happiest song of the century so far, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. Of course, the way of the I&J means incorporating mashups of Mozart and Strauss into the song, making it an even happier experience. And if after the concert you are hooked on happiness, there is even a 24 hour music video of “Happy”, so now you can really be happy all day long.
As Igudesman and Joo says, “Music makes Happy”, and there will be no shortage of happy music with the “Happy Concert”.
“Hearing and seeing Igudesman and Joo performing live is experiencing pure musicianship, wonderful acting, sophistication and a terrific sense of humor. Their lack of pretentiousness and the joy of their music-making offer an irresistible invitation into the world of classical music. I can’t wait to bring them back!”
Hanna Arie-Gaifman
Director 92nd Street Y, Tisch Center for the Arts, New York
“Their blend of classical music and comedy, laced with pop culture references and a wholly novel take on the word slapstick, is fueled by genuine, dazzling virtuosity.”
The New York Times
Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
“Having had the great pleasure to have shared a stage with my friends Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo, I can tell you that even from up-close they are the real thing.They are extremely funny, very original, and highly-skilled musicians to boot. Their mix of classical music and comedy is absolutely unique”.
John Malkovich
Actor
Next Dates for The Happy Concert
No shows booked for this tour at the moment.