Since its premiere, Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto has been firmly planted in popular culture, appearing in films and inspiring songs of love and romance. Edmonton favourite Sara Davis Buechner brings this adored concerto to life with her impressive artistry. Jean-Marie Zeitouni conducts Liszt’s tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and his sermon to the birds, which brims with chirping and twittering bird song. Franck’s mighty Symphony opens the program. From its mysterious introduction to its fantastic conclusion, Franck’s Symphony was described by one of his students “as a continual ascent toward gladness and life-giving light.”